06.05.2025 11:54
In England, Joanne Neill was dismissed during a meeting titled "Closing the Gap" on her day off. The court ruled that the practice was unlawful and constituted indirect gender discrimination. The company was fined £24,042 in compensation.
Joanne Neill, who works part-time at a company called Dermalogica UK operating in England, experienced a great shock during an online meeting titled "Closing the Gap" on a day she was on leave. Neill learned that she had been terminated during this meeting. Taking the process to court, Neill emerged victorious in her fight for justice.
COURT: METHOD AND TERMINATION ILLEGAL
The judge overseeing the case, Liz Ord, found the company's decision to terminate employment faulty in both timing and method. According to the judge, the meeting held under the title "Closing the Gap" left a neutral and innocent impression on the employee, leading to Neill being caught off guard by the developments. Additionally, the online nature of the meeting did not allow the employee to receive support from either a colleague or a human resources representative.
EMPHASIS ON GENDER DISCRIMINATION
Judge Ord also highlighted indirect gender discrimination in the ruling. Noting that women work part-time more frequently than men, Ord stated that this means targeting part-time workers disproportionately affects women. The court indicated that Neill's termination was based on working hours, which indirectly constituted gender discrimination.
THEY WILL PAY 1.2 MILLION LIRA IN COMPENSATION
The court ruled that Dermalogica UK must pay Joanne Neill a total of £24,042 (approximately 1.2 million TL) in compensation. This decision once again highlighted the need for careful evaluation of the policies employers apply, especially towards part-time and remote workers.