Roisin worked in the financial industry. A male colleague in a higher role than Roisin began to act inappropriately towards her. He subjected her to non-consensual and inappropriate physical contact on several occasions, invaded her personal space and made inappropriate comments about her clothing.
Roisin tried to approach her line manager for support, but the actions of her male colleague were downplayed. The inappropriate actions continued, and Roisin began to suffer with anxiety as a result of the treatment.
Roisin was signed off with work-related stress. She subsequently resigned from her role due to the impact of her male colleague’s behaviour upon her mental health.
Roisin contacted McCartan Turkington Breen and was advised to lodge proceedings at the Employment Tribunal and High Court simultaneously. The High Court proceedings were lodged for personal injury resulting from the conduct of Roisin’s former employer and employee towards her.
A tactical litigation decision was made to “stay” the Employment Tribunal proceedings to allow the High Court proceedings to progress.
When Roisin instructed McCartan Turkington Breen, a claim at the Employment Tribunal was lodged. High Court proceedings were issued swiftly thereafter, and an application was submitted to “stay” the Employment Tribunal proceedings. The High Court claim was managed meticulously, including the provision of further information and discovery, financial loss and hearing preparation.
Roisin’s former employer did defend matters as expected. However, our strategy to lodge proceedings at both the Employment Tribunal and the High Court concurrently presented her ex-employer with significant difficulties in terms of adverse costs, media exposure and substantial damages.
Prior to commencement of the High Court trial, Cora’s ex-employer reached out to us in an attempt to negotiate and settle this matter, including the Employment Tribunal proceedings.
This matter was settled in the sum of £57,500.
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The name referenced throughout this case study is a pseudonym that has been put in place to protect the client’s privacy.
