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Woman settles sexual harassment case against Department of Education for £25k
Overview
A female employee who witnessed a senior male colleague viewing provocative images of women on his computer at the Department of Education has settled her sexual harassment case for £25,000 without admission of liability. Supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, the woman raised concerns after seeing the images in an open-plan office, but was subsequently told by HR to work elsewhere if she was uncomfortable, while the male colleague remained at his workstation.
Key points
- A woman settled a sexual harassment case against the Department of Education for £25,000 without admission of liability.
- The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
- The woman witnessed a senior male colleague viewing provocative images of women on his computer in an open-plan office.
- HR suggested the woman work from home or another office instead of moving the male colleague during the investigation.
- The Department of Education acknowledged and regretted the upset and distress caused to the woman.