Coach firm pay out £22,500 in damages to former employee
A female coach driver from Northern Ireland has successfully sued her former employer for £22,500 after launching a sexual harassment case against them.
The claim was made against Chambers Coach Hire by Julie Rutherford who used to work for the firm as a coach driver.
The Equality Commission released details of the settlement earlier this month.
Ms Rutherford from Magerafelt, County Londonderry, alleged that the coach hire company had failed in their duty to protect her from unwanted sexual comments and inappropriate physical contact. Ms Rutherford added that the management at Chamber Coach Hire did not handle her complaint correctly when she approached them with her grievance.
The court ruled in favour of Ms Rutherford and she was awarded £22,500 in damages. Ms Rutherford has since found alternative employment with another company driving both coaches and lorries and says she is enjoying her new position, and is happy working alongside her new male colleagues.
Speaking after the ruling Ms Rutherford said she hoped her decision to take legal action would set an example to other companies that sexual harassment in the workplace will not be tolerated. She added, “no one should have to put up with treatment like this.”