An employment tribunal has rejected the age discrimination claims brought by two former cricket umpires, who were removed from their posts after reaching an “expected retirement age”. Stephen Simpson rounds up employment tribunal decisions reported in the past week.
Peter Willey and George Sharp lose age discrimination case
Cricket umpires Peter Willey and George Sharp have lost their age discrimination case against the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), reports the BBC.
The claimants were removed from the first-class umpire list when they reached the ECB’s “expected retirement age” of 65.
Discrimination in sport
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Their union, Prospect, was disappointed by the judgment. It explained that the tribunal accepted that the pair had been treated less favourably because of their age, but concluded that the treatment was justified because the ECB wanted to ensure opportunities for succession planning and appointing new umpires.
The ECB had also argued that the decision was justified because it wanted to maintain dignity by not having to dismiss umpires because of a decline in performance at some point in the future. However, the tribunal did not accept that this reason would have justified the umpire’s retirement.
Other tribunal decisions in the headlines
David Cameron steps in after NHS whistleblower is pursued for £100,000 in costs after losing her case on a legal technicality
David Cameron has asked Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Health, to investigate why a whistleblower at one of the country’s largest mental health trusts is being pursued for almost £100,000 in costs after losing her case on a legal technicality, according to the Independent.
Unfairly dismissed headteacher awarded almost £90,000
A long-serving headteacher who was unfairly dismissed from her job at All Saints Primary School, after clashing with governors, has been awarded the maximum compensation by a tribunal, reports the Midweek Herald.
TUC ordered to compensate Merseyside mum “forced from job” after having third child
A mum of three won compensation after being “forced out” of her job at Britain’s trade union federation when she returned from maternity leave, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Tribunal rules for Wrexham Council employee over increase in work
An employment tribunal judge has ruled in favour of a woman who felt forced to resign after Wrexham Council increased her workload, according to the North Wales News. The local authority has been ordered to pay more than £8,000 in compensation and fees.
Dudley teacher could face a big bill after losing employment tribunal
A Dudley teacher may have to cough up a “substantial amount” of cash after losing an employment tribunal, says the Evesham Journal.
