Jessica Bussert, a transsexual who claimed that she was forced to quit a high-powered job at Hitachi Data Systems after having surgery to become a woman, has lost her £500,000 claim.
Bussert, formerly known as Josh, was seeking compensation from the technology firm under the Sex Discrimination (Gender Reassignment) Regulations 1999. The discrimination claim was thought to be the biggest ever involving a transsexual.
The regulations apply to any employee who intends to undergo gender reassignment, is going through the process or has already done so.
However, an employment tribunal in Reading ruled that she had left “of her own free will”.
In a statement, Hitachi said it was “very pleased” with the verdict.
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“While we were confident we would win, we are obviously delighted that in its summation the employment tribunal has so totally vindicated the way that the company and its managers handled the situation surrounding Ms Bussert’s gender reassignment.
“We look forward to putting this matter behind us and we genuinely wish Jessica all the best in the future.”
