Age discrimination victim awarded compensation after tribunal

Posted 20/05/2010

A woman who was overlooked for a promotion because of her age has been awarded compensation at an employment law tribunal.

Linda Sturdy, now 60, had applied for a senior role in a breast screening programme at Leeds Hospital NHS Trust where she had worked for 17 years.

Although she was told she had a good chance of getting the job, when she mentioned that she was 56 her manager commented: “I didn’t realise you were so old”.

Ms Sturdy was then denied the role – which was given to a younger but less experienced staff member – and was asked to leave after she declined a more junior role.

At a tribunal, where it was agreed that she had been the victim of victimisation and age discrimination, Ms Sturdy was awarded a total of £187,000 in compensation.

This included a £33,500 payout for injury to feelings, the largest such award in the UK.

The DirectGov website states that all employees and workers of any age are protected against age discrimination under UK law.