Estate agent wins discrimination case after boss offered a 'sex act' if he hit target
AN ESTATE agent who was offered a “sex act” by his woman boss if he hit a sales target has won his sex discrimination case.
Sarah Thompson was found guilty of offering Paul Elworthy a sex act as a reward for hitting targets
Sarah Thompson told Your Move senior financial consultant Paul Elworthy the sex act would be a reward for making £180,000.
Divorcee Mrs Thompson, 51, denied the claim but a South London employment tribunal has found for Mr Elworthy.
The judgment stated: “We find that Ms Thompson would not have made an equivalent comment to a woman.
“We therefore find that the comment was less favourable treatment because of sex and the claim for direct sex discrimination succeeds.”
The comment was at a Christmas lunch, after which another estate agent allegedly asked: “Does that count for everyone?”
Divorcee Mrs Thompson denied the claim
Mrs Thompson allegedly replied: “No, you’re married.”
Ms Thompson would not have made an equivalent comment to a woman
The tribunal decided the words amounted to sex discrimination but not harassment.
The tribunal said: “We have found that Ms Thompson’s comment left the claimant feeling a bit uncomfortable and not great.
Your Move senior financial consultant Paul Elworthy was told the 'sex act' would be a reward
“It did not meet the bar for harassment but we find that the effect on him was nevertheless a detriment.
“It was a highly sexualised comment and we have no hesitation in finding that the comment was made because of the claimant’s gender.”
A further hearing will determine the amount of damages.