Employers ‘should deal with sexual harassment complaints promptly’

Employers should deal with complaints of sexual harassment “promptly, seriously and confidentially “, the chief executive of the North’s Equality Commission has warned, as a former sales adviser in an 02 Store in Belfast settles a case for £35,000 – paid without admission of liability - against Telefonica UK.

Natasha McCullough from Belfast, alleged that she had endured sexual harassment by her line manager from January, 2016 to August, 2016, which had caused her great distress.

The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland supported Ms McCullough’s case, during which she said the “entire episode” had created a serious source of stress for her.

Ms McCullough said: “I had a lot of painful and unsightly physical symptoms of stress, breathing difficulties and, eventually, panic attacks and I felt frightened, powerless and vulnerable. I felt that I was being isolated because I had complained about the behaviour.”

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It was alleged during the case proceedings that Ms McCullough’s complaint had not been properly handled. She went on sick leave and has since resigned.

Telefonica UK settled the case with Ms McCullough for £35,000, paid without admission of liability, but has apologised to her for any injury to feelings, distress and upset caused by “reason of the matters” that led to her claims.

The Equality Commission said Telefonica UK has also agreed to review its equal opportunities policies, practices and procedures and ensure they are compliant with national and European equality law.

Dr Evelyn Collins chief executive of the Equality Commission, said: “This case should remind all employers how important it is to ensure, not just that they have appropriate policies in place, but also that their policies are actually being implemented. Managers should be alert to unacceptable behaviour and take appropriate action to stop it.”