A 20-year-old woman, Elizabeth Benassi, has been awarded £30,000 (₹32,20,818) in compensation after being unfairly dismissed for wearing trainers to work. Benassi, who joined Maximus UK Services in 2022, argued that she was singled out for her footwear, even though other colleagues wore similar shoes without any issues.
Claims of Age-Based Discrimination
Benassi, who was 18 when hired, testified at an employment tribunal in Croydon, South London, stating that she was treated like a child by her manager for wearing trainers. She claimed that she was unaware of the company’s dress code and was unfairly targeted, especially as she was the youngest employee at the company.
Tribunal Ruling and Compensation
The tribunal ruled in Benassi’s favor, awarding £29,187 in compensation for victimization. Employment Judge Forwell criticized the company’s handling of the situation, highlighting the unfairness of the dismissal, especially considering Benassi was new to the role and might not have known the dress code.
Broader Concerns About Age Discrimination
Although Benassi’s claim of age-related harassment was dismissed, the tribunal’s ruling raised concerns about how young employees are treated in professional settings. Maximus UK Services denied wrongdoing, but the case has sparked discussions on fair treatment in the workplace, particularly for younger workers.
