Former Citibank employee settles a claim of sex discrimination and disability for PS215,000.
Maeve Bradley was an assistant vice-president at the Belfast branch of the bank. She went on maternity in spring 2023. She thought she would be promoted upon her return.
Bradley called a manager to inform them that she was applying for reduced working hours due to her childcare requirements. She was offered a different role, but she was uncomfortable with it as her experience suited a promotion role better.
She discovered later that the person covering her maternity leaves had been promoted to Vice President. She filed a formal complaint because she was not given this opportunity to be promoted while on maternity.
Citibank denied that the grievance had been upheld and claimed performance was the main factor in the decision to promote. The company said that the employee who was given the promotion had been given time to show their strength and had therefore earned the role of VP.
Bradley filed a complaint for sexism, followed by two more claims of disability and sexism, as well as victimization. She said that the bank took too long to resolve the grievance, and she felt inadequately supported when returning to work.
Citibank settled with Bradley, without admitting any liability. As part of the settlement, her employment was terminated.
Bradley stated in a press release: “This experience has been extremely stressful and disheartening for me. The fact that the person hired to fill my position was promoted while I was away came as a surprise. “I felt I had to fight this decision not only for myself but also to make sure that no woman was penalised because she took time off for a baby.”
Geraldine McGahey is the chief commissioner for the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. She said that pregnancy and maternity complaints continue to be among the most common complaints received by the organization.
“The laws that protect women against sexism were introduced nearly 50 years ago in order to ensure women could return to the workplace and stay there, and not be penalized because of their pregnancy or family obligations. Maeve was entitled to the promotion.”
Citibank announced that it would review all of its policies in order to make sure they comply with their legal obligations and ensure staff are aware of them.
The company agreed to work with the Commission in order to review their equal opportunity policies, procedures and practices regarding the treatment of employees who are on maternity leave.
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