Monkey Island Hotel waiter claims age discrimination over shift changes

A waiter is suing a hotel for age discrimination after they cut his shifts and gave the remaining hours to younger, less experienced colleagues.

Italian-born waiter Pietro Dell’Osa, 69, is suing Monkey Island Hotel in Berkshire for age discrimination and constructive dismissal.

Dell’Osa had worked at the group for more than five years before the changes were imposed.

He said: “My official claim is for constructive unfair dismissal. They were underpaying my hours and discriminating against me. When I wanted to talk about it, the managers didn’t listen.”

At a pre-hearing review of his case on Friday (17 April 2009), tribunal judge Robin Lewis told Dell’Osa that his claim for £115,000 was “a bit fanciful” and he should expect “far less”.

The two-day full employment tribunal will take place in July.