Not inviting co-workers to after work drinks is 'victimisation'

A tribunal has ruled that failing to invite a colleague to after work drinks is victimisation. Consequently more than £74,000 has been awarded in compensation to a Stratford casino cashier.

After being the only co-worker not invited to Latin American cocktail bar Las Iguanas for drinks Rita Leher, 51, claims fellow cashiers discussed the social event "insensitively" around her. Ms Leher began working at the casino in November 2011, which employs around 560 people and is the second biggest casino in Britain. The tribunal heard how Ms Leher felt "shunned" by her casino colleagues and has since left the firm.

Ms Leher, from London, claimed she had been repeatedly ignored and rejected for promotions although she has 22 years of 'experience in the gaming industry'. It had been suggested she had seen other younger cashier colleagues promoted over the years of her employment, however, none of whom were black or mixed heritage like herself.

The tribunal panel concluded her exclusion from the 'after-work drinks' event was because "colleagues did not wish to socialise with someone who had complained of discrimination."

Among the findings in the tribunal, it was learned Ms Leher was victimised multiple times. After requesting a refresher training course, she was ignored whilst another younger, white, colleague's request was approved. She was threatened with disciplinary action after raising a grievance for discrimination. Ms Leher was later signed off work in August of 2018 due to stress.

Employment judge Sarah Moor Said: "Being excluded from discussions at work about a social occasion among colleagues when one would normally be included, would subject an employee to a detriment at work. A reasonable employee would consider that such exclusion was to their disadvantage because they had lost the opportunity to bond with colleagues."

Ms Moor concluded: "We unanimously agree that this was because Ms Leher had complained about victimisation." Ms Leher won her claims of victimisation, race and age discrimination, and unfair dismissal, receiving £74,113 for financial loss and injury to feelings.

The Johnson Partnership

(formerly GV Hale)

Barnsley Crime Solicitors