In an ongoing claim in Cardiff Employment Tribunal Stephen Price, 25, of Clydach, near Abergavenny, claims that Mair Jones, 40, turned "every conversation" to sex. Mr Price’s claim is one of sexual harassment and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and constructive dismissal against the Presbyterian Church of Wales.
Giving evidence last week, Mr Price, who is openly gay, said he worked with Ms Jones at the church's Trefeca centre, a 250-year-old 37-bed retreat near Brecon in South Wales which was first set up as a Christian community in 1752. He told the hearing he was forced to quit as the assistant manager because of Ms Jones's ceaseless comments about sex, which included calling him a "stupid poof", going on to say, "I was and still am shocked to have been referred to as a poof. I am very proud of both my faith and my sexual orientation.”
The philosophy graduate said: "Every conversation would somehow end up being a conversation about sex. This happened continuously and was part of her repertoire.” “She joked once that I could have her for sexual harassment and that she was the Queen of Innuendo as she would find a sexual twist to even the most innocent comment. Another double entendre related to an upcoming talk by a minister. Ms Jones referred to this talk not as "Receive My Peace" but as "Receive My Piece."
Mr Jones was moved to another office in Cardiff after less than 12 months but resigned when he was told he had to return to the centre and work with Ms Jones. He claims that this forced resignation amounts to constructive dismissal in addition to the harassment and discrimination claims.
The church denies the charges. The Cardiff employment tribunal continues.
Beware!
You can be vicariously liable for the actions of your employees in the event that discrimination occurs. In order to minimise the risk of such a claim, you should ensure you have the following:
- A comprehensive bullying and harassment policy;
- Adequate training on bullying and harassment and;
- A zero tolerance approach to any employee found to be in breach of the policy.
If you require any further information about Sexual Orientation Discrimination, please contact Emma Bramley of Follett Stock either by email at emma.bramley@follettstock.co.uk, or by telephone on 01872 245991 or any of the employment team on 01872 241700.
As a note of interest, Emma Bramley acted for joint Claimants in the very first sexual orientation claim which was heard in the Liverpool Tribunal under the Regulations which came into force in 1 December 2003.
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