Sadly, sexism and discrimination are still rife throughout companies and corporations in this day and age, and this report proves it in the saddest way.
A tribunal in Watford, UK has heard how two female employees were forced into redundancy by their boss after taking maternity leave.
Deepa Tumber, global head of connectivity at Fidessa, is now appearing before an employment tribunal on grounds of unfair dismissal.
The panel heard how 35-year-old Wendi Lancaster and 36-year-old Fatrizia Nosal were stripped of key duties and 'ignored' after requesting flexible work hours before returning to their jobs after maternity leave.
The women claim that Mr Tumber restructured teams in a way to push them out of the company. This led to both women being made redundant.
“I have no doubt that the redundancy process was unfair,” said Mrs Nosal. Meanwhile, Mrs Lancaster added: “I believe that the respondent didn’t want to retain me because I was going on maternity leave and because I had to leave promptly at 5pm.”
Responding to claims that he discriminated against staff members, Mr Tumber told the tribunal: “I am not perfect by any means and I’m sure there are some things I could have managed better during my career, but I categorically deny that I have ever discriminated against or harassed anyone.”
A judgment on the case is set to be handed down next month.
