After being the victim of sexist remarks, a woman who worked for a high-end investment company in whisky won a case against sexism.
Nina Chung who worked at Whisky 1901 has received more than PS50,000 as compensation for a series events that occurred between August 2022 and November 2022. This included her colleagues calling females “birds” or bragging about their sexual conquests.
She was also locked out of her company’s offices on two occasions.
She said that Aaron Sparkes, the CEO of the company, disciplined her in a way that did not require that she attend the disciplinary hearing. The company also imposed a written warning for 12 months when the recommended six-month period was given.
The tribunal found that her dismissal and these actions constituted victimisation.
It also found that Whisky 1901 was in breach of the ACAS code for grievance and disciplinary procedures. This meant the award to Chung had to be increased by 20%.
Not all her claims were successful, but Judge Klimov agreed that the instances in which sexist words, questions about whether she intended to become pregnant, and boasting of sexual conquests amounted harassment related to sex.
The company announced in a press release that they would appeal their decision.
It said that “the appropriate grievance and discipline processes and procedures have been followed in this matter.”
This included seeking independent HR consulting advice from a well known HR consultancy. We encourage diversity, equality and inclusion at work and take these matters very seriously.
Chung received PS51,776 as compensation. This included PS21,226 for financial losses, PS14,000 in damages for emotional injury, and PS7,000 for non-compliance with the ACAS code.
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