A FORMER employee of Dunnes Stores has settled a case against the company, following a dispute concerning alleged age discrimination.
Gloria Dunbar was awarded £40,000 in the settlement, while Dunnes did not accept that it acted in breach of equality legislation and said it was committed to the principles of equality.
Ms Dunbar had worked full time as a security manager for Dunnes Stores (Bangor Ltd) from 2005 until her contract was terminated in 2014.
She alleged that in terminating her contract when she was 63, Dunnes had discriminated against her on grounds of her age.
Ms Dunbar was placed on a series of fixed-term renewable contracts when she passed 60, which was not the case for other employees in similar roles.
“I was always a loyal and hardworking member of staff, yet for the three years before I was dismissed I was placed on fixed-term yearly contracts, unlike the other security managers in the company, and the other managers in the store where I worked,” Ms Dunbar said.
“They were all younger than me and I believe that the reason I was placed on a fixed-term contract and then dismissed was because of my age.”
Ms Dunbar said that she was “very hurt and let down” by the decision to terminate her contract and said she had intended to stay in work until she reached the age of 65, in 2016.
Since 2011 there has been no automatic right for an employer to fix a retirement point based on age.
The law provides that if an employer wishes to have an age-based retirement policy it must be justified.
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland supported Ms Dunbar in her case.
Dr Evelyn Collins, the Equality Commission’s Chief Executive, said the case raised issues regarding the treatment of older workers as they approach or pass what was regarded as retirement age.
“Everyone has the right to fair treatment in the job market and in the workplace on the basis of individual merits, experience and potential,” Dr Collins said.
“Staff who are able and willing to work beyond previously accepted retirement ages must have their wishes fairly considered and, when decisions are being made regarding their contracts, performance standards, and continued employment , they are entitled to the same consideration as workers of other ages.”
In settling the case, Dunnes Stores (Bangor) Ltd has agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission in relation to the development of its policies, practices, training and procedures on equality of opportunity and, in particular, on age discrimination.
