Bangor Woman Receives £25,000 In Pregnancy Tribunal Case

A firm based in Belfast has apologised to a woman who lodged a tribunal case alleging sexual discrimination related to her pregnancy.

Intern Europe Limited also paid Ruth Faulkner from Bangor a settlement of £25,000.

She had worked with the company since June 2010 as a work placements officer, sourcing professional internships across Northern Ireland.

During her maternity leave, Ms Faulkner had asked to work the same hours in a different pattern, to help her with her childcare commitments, however the company reduced her hours.

On the first day Ms Faulkner returned to work after her maternity leave, she was immediately brought to a meeting where she was informed that her post was potentially at risk of redundancy. She alleged that she was told that the company wanted to discuss an option with her where she would choose to leave rather than go through a formal redundancy situation. Ms Faulkner claimed that she was informed that if she wanted to consider this option she could not return to her desk and had to leave the office right away.

Ms Faulkner said: "Before I told them of my pregnancy I felt I was a respected member of their staff and that my work was appreciated. Afterwards I felt isolated, excluded, side-lined and ignored. When I returned to work after the birth of my child, to be confronted with a proposal to terminate my employment, I was shocked and upset."

Her case was assisted by the Equality Commission.

In settling this case, Intern Europe apologised to Ms Faulkner for any injury to feelings, distress and upset caused. It also affirmed its commitment to equality of opportunity and undertook to liaise with the Equality Commission.

(CD/LM)