Employee wins sex discrimination case against UK Power Networks

A procurement specialist has won a sex discrimination case against her employer UK Power Networks over pay and promotion. According to Prospect union, Amy Arnold became aware she was being […]

A procurement specialist has won a sex discrimination case against her employer UK Power Networks over pay and promotion.

According to Prospect union, Amy Arnold became aware she was being paid “substantially less” than male graduate trainees, who were doing the same work as her.

The union adds over 18 months, she was “consistently refused” equal pay and management told her she needed more professional qualifications, had to hit certain performance criteria and finally that the pay wasn’t in their remit.

UKPN is responsible for delivering electricity to more than 18 million people in London, East and South East England.

A Norwich employment tribunal heard Ms Arnold was denied equal pay and overlooked for a promotion – a man who was less qualified and less experienced was given the job she applied for.

The judge said UKPN “had consistently moved the goalposts” on Ms Arnold’s pay and that she “never stood a change of an equal playing field”.

Ms Arnold said: “After being subjected to sex discrimination, 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.”

UKPN intends to conduct a company-wide equal pay audit in the near future.

A spokesperson said: “UK Power Networks respects the decision of the employment tribunal and will be reviewing the detail of its findings and recommendations once they have been received.”

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