When Sports Shoes Cost a Job: UK Woman Fired Over Sports Shoes Wins ₹32 Lakh Compensation
UK (The Uttam Hindu): A 20-year-old woman, Elizabeth Benassi, has been awarded £30,000 (₹32,20,818) in compensation after being unfairly dismissed from her job at Maximus UK Services for wearing trainers to work. An employment tribunal in Croydon, South London ruled in her favor citing age-based discrimination as a factor in her treatment.
Treated Like a Child" by Manager
Benassi, who joined the recruitment agency in 2022 at the age of 18 testified that she was "treated like a child" by her manager who criticized her choice of footwear. She stated she was unaware of the company’s dress code and argued that she was unfairly singled out despite other colleagues wearing similar shoes without reprimand. Her dismissal occurred just three months after she joined the company which provides services to the Department for Work and Pensions. Benassi claimed she was micromanaged due to her age a claim that the tribunal took seriously.
Tribunal Ruling Highlights Unfair Practices
The tribunal awarded Benassi £29,187 in compensation for victimization and criticized the company's handling of the situation. Employment Judge Forwell stated: "No allowance was made for the fact that she was new and may not have been familiar with the dress code. It was therefore a clear unfairness and indicates a desire to find fault." The judge further noted that internal communication from the manager failed to indicate that a dress code violation had been an issue undermining the legitimacy of her dismissal.
Broader Concerns About Age Discrimination
Although Benassi's claim of age-related harassment was dismissed the case has raised concerns about the treatment of young workers in professional environments. The judgment underscored the need for fair and supportive treatment of younger employees especially those new to the workforce. Maximus UK Services denied any wrongdoing maintaining that Benassi’s dismissal was justified. However, the tribunal's decision has sparked conversations about equitable workplace practices and the importance of addressing age-related bias in professional settings.
