Menu
26/10/2001
Reporter receives £42,500 settlement from UTV
A former television reporter has received £42,500 by Ulster Television in settlement of cases in which she alleged sex discrimination, victimisation, unfair dismissal and breaches of the Equal Pay Act.
In addition to the financial settlement Ulster Television (UTV) agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission to ensure that recruitment, promotion, pay, grievance, complaints and victimisation policies and procedures were in accordance with current equality legislation.
UTV conceded that their promotion procedures at that time may not have provided the reporter, Ms Sharon Hall, with the opportunity to apply for or be considered for the post of senior journalist. They accepted that comments were made about her which were unacceptable and inappropriate, apologised to her for those comments, and stated that she was a “valued member of staff and discharged her duties at all times in a professional and efficient manner”.
Ms Hall said she was pleased that the case had reached a successful conclusion and thanked the Equality Commission for assisting her: “I am pleased that UTV have accepted that I was treated in an unacceptable manner and have apologised for that.
“In particular I welcome the fact that the company have agreed to work with the Equality Commission in reviewing their policies and procedures from an equality perspective. I know how hurtful and distressing it is to feel that you are being treated unfairly and that your work is undervalued because of your gender. It is not an easy option to bring a case of discrimination against your employer, and people who do so should know they are protected against unfair treatment or unfounded comments.“
Jennifer Greenfield, Director of Legal Services in the Equality Commission said that the case highlighted problems with recruitment procedures and with the treatment of people who bring complaints.
She said that employers must ensure that all their staff know that the law protects complainants against victimisation. (SP)
In addition to the financial settlement Ulster Television (UTV) agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission to ensure that recruitment, promotion, pay, grievance, complaints and victimisation policies and procedures were in accordance with current equality legislation.
UTV conceded that their promotion procedures at that time may not have provided the reporter, Ms Sharon Hall, with the opportunity to apply for or be considered for the post of senior journalist. They accepted that comments were made about her which were unacceptable and inappropriate, apologised to her for those comments, and stated that she was a “valued member of staff and discharged her duties at all times in a professional and efficient manner”.
Ms Hall said she was pleased that the case had reached a successful conclusion and thanked the Equality Commission for assisting her: “I am pleased that UTV have accepted that I was treated in an unacceptable manner and have apologised for that.
“In particular I welcome the fact that the company have agreed to work with the Equality Commission in reviewing their policies and procedures from an equality perspective. I know how hurtful and distressing it is to feel that you are being treated unfairly and that your work is undervalued because of your gender. It is not an easy option to bring a case of discrimination against your employer, and people who do so should know they are protected against unfair treatment or unfounded comments.“
Jennifer Greenfield, Director of Legal Services in the Equality Commission said that the case highlighted problems with recruitment procedures and with the treatment of people who bring complaints.
She said that employers must ensure that all their staff know that the law protects complainants against victimisation. (SP)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 February 2005
Knowledge gap holds back equal pay, says Acas
Low levels of understanding by employees and employers is one of the key factors holding back the establishment of equal pay, employment relations group, Acas, has claimed.
Knowledge gap holds back equal pay, says Acas
Low levels of understanding by employees and employers is one of the key factors holding back the establishment of equal pay, employment relations group, Acas, has claimed.
25 August 2011
UTV 'Means Business'
The popular UTV Live Tonight programme returns to the small screen next week with an enhanced focus on business and economics.
UTV 'Means Business'
The popular UTV Live Tonight programme returns to the small screen next week with an enhanced focus on business and economics.
19 October 2001
Northern Ireland Equality Challenge Unit launched
Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning, has launched the Northern Ireland Equality Challenge Unit.
Northern Ireland Equality Challenge Unit launched
Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Employment and Learning, has launched the Northern Ireland Equality Challenge Unit.
23 March 2010
UTV Reports Falling Profits
Despite intense cost-cutting - with several programmes and staff dropped - the Belfast-based media company Ulster Television (UTV) has reported a £2.6m fall in pretax profit. It posted an £18.1m profit for 2009, compared to £20.7m the previous year.
UTV Reports Falling Profits
Despite intense cost-cutting - with several programmes and staff dropped - the Belfast-based media company Ulster Television (UTV) has reported a £2.6m fall in pretax profit. It posted an £18.1m profit for 2009, compared to £20.7m the previous year.
22 April 2002
Equal pay employers urged to seek 'Castle' standard
Denis Haughey, MLA and James Leslie, MLA, Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, have welcomed a new UK-wide initiative, which will enable women job seekers to identify more easily employers offering them the best equal pay deal.
Equal pay employers urged to seek 'Castle' standard
Denis Haughey, MLA and James Leslie, MLA, Ministers in the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, have welcomed a new UK-wide initiative, which will enable women job seekers to identify more easily employers offering them the best equal pay deal.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
