Member wins sex discrimination case against UK Power Networks

Prospect member and procurement specialist Amy Arnold has won a sex discrimination case against her employer, UK Power Networks (UKPN) after being denied equal pay and a promotion.

After starting at the company, Amy became aware that she was being paid substantially less than male graduate trainees, who were doing the same work as her. She raised a grievance and was eventually awarded an increase in pay.

Shortly after this she applied for promotion. Her application was rejected despite her being well qualified and suited to the job. Prospect supported her in bringing a tribunal claim.

A Norwich employment tribunal found that a man who was less qualified and less experienced was given the job that she had applied for.

The judge said she had been discriminated against on grounds of sex and victimised for making a complaint about equal pay with her employer.

The judge found UKPN had consistently moved the goalposts on Amy’s pay and management had pushed ahead in appointing its preferred candidate to the role, and that Amy “never stood a chance of an equal playing field”.

‘I am delighted to have been vindicated’

Amy said: “I am delighted to have been vindicated by the employment tribunal. I hope my case highlights to UKPN and other employers that sex discrimination is a serious issue and is not something that can simply be ignored. I am very grateful for Prospect’s support and would encourage anyone who is suffering from sex discrimination not to suffer in silence.”

UKPN has been ordered to pay compensation. The judge also recommended that Amy’s former team be trained in the Equality Act. The company has also committed to an equal pay audit.

Prospect legal officer, Jane Copley, said: “This sends a clear message to employers that failing to act on known gender pay issues and victimising employees who raise them is not acceptable, and will not go unchallenged.”

Andy Bye, Prospect negotiator, who supported Amy throughout her complaint and was a witness at the tribunal, said: “Prospect welcomes UKPN’s announcement that it intends to conduct a company-wide equal pay audit in the near future. We remain committed to challenging any organisation in which members are subject to gender pay disparity.”