The Equality Authority welcomed the decision of the ODEI Equality Officer in favour of Ms. Barbara Freeman (represented by Mandate) in her case against Superquinn (represented by IBEC). This is the first case to be won on the marital status and family status grounds under the Employment Equality Act, 1998.
“This is a significant case because it opens up the grounds of marital status and family status and further includes the ground of age. It brings further clarity to employer responsibilities under the Employment Equality Act, 1998”,
stated Niall Crowley, CEO of the Equality Authority.
“This case highlights the importance for employers of ensuring a fair and transparent selection process from job advertisement to interview process to final decision. The level of the award is also welcome and this now serves as a real deterrent to discrimination”.
Ms. Freeman applied for and was not appointed to the post of head cashier at a Dublin Branch of Superquinn. The ODEI Equality Officer found she was discriminated against on the family status, marital status and age grounds and awarded her 20,000 euro.
ENDS.