An 89-year-old woman who was fired for not knowing how to use computers has allegedly been humiliated in front of her co-workers as she was escorted out of her office at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, a National Health Service hospital located in Reading, England.
Eileen Jolly had been working as an NHS secretary for decades before her managers accused her of a “catastrophic failure in performance” due to being “stuck in old secretarial ways.”
Following the sacking, Jolly filed a lawsuit against the National Health Service and was awarded a $250,000 compensation by the NHS after it was discovered that she was discriminated against because of her age.
According to Andrew Gumbiti-Zimuto, an employment judge, the 89-year-old was never offered any help with computers or provided with proper training to better understand the system.
“The role that the claimant understood she was performing, she was performing competently. There is a suspicion of the claimant being a scapegoat, the claimant was not offered training where it might be considered appropriate,” the judgment read.
In addition, the NHS was found guilty of age discrimination, breach of contract, and unfair dismissal.
Following the ruling, the NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson claimed that they were “pleased that this matter is now concluded” despite not being happy with the results.
“The trust is disappointed by the outcome in this case. However, the trust has and operates an equal opportunities policy and, following a detailed review of the case, is taking steps to ensure that lessons are learned and that all reasonable steps are taken to prevent any form of discrimination from occurring in the workplace,” the statement read.
“The trust will comply with the tribunal’s order to pay an agreed sum to Mrs. Jolly by way of compensation. Given that these proceedings have been upsetting and distressing for all concerned, the trust is pleased that this matter is now concluded and parties can move on. It wishes Mrs. Jolly all the best for the future.”
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Replaced!