Record £4.5m damages awarded to Doctor forced out of her job following maternity leave!

A record payment of almost £4.5m has been awarded by a UK Employment Tribunal to Dr Eva Michalak, who was forced out of her job following her maternity leave.  Dr Michalak is reported to have been 'profoundly traumatised' by 'years of psychological abuse' to the extent that her husband had to give up his job as a scientific researcher in order to look after her.  Dr Michalak said of her employer 'They destroyed my life, my health and my career.  Their dishonesty was staggering'.

The Employment Tribunal said 'We are positively outraged at the way this employer behaved.  The claimant was subjected to a campaign, suspended, had her suspension unnecessarily prolonged and was then dismissed for a reason that related to her pregnancy.  She has lost her role and status.  She is never going to return to work as a doctor, a profession she cherished'.

Dr Michalak's husband said 'This payout is not a win.  All she ever wanted was to work'.

The amount of the award has shocked many.  The fact that an employer would behave in this way has shocked many more.  Whilst claims for race or sex discrimination continue to be uncapped, this should be a warning to any unscrupulous employers out there!

Want to know how the figure was reached?  Click here.

First person convicted under the Bribery Act 2010 - and the sentence is custodial !

Although the legislation is called the Bribery Act 2010 it only came into effect earlier this year, 1 July 2011 to be precise, but already we have seen the first conviction and it carries a custodial sentence!

Munir Patel was convicted of bribery and misconduct in a public office after admitting that he received a bribe in his role as an administrative officer at a Magistrates' Court.

Patel pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court to requesting and receiving £500 to 'get rid' of a speeding charge and to other similar misconduct and offences.  Patel was sentenced to 3 years for bribery and 6 years for misconduct in a public office, to be served concurrently.

The decision of the Crown Court should dispel any thoughts that this Act does not need to be taken seriously.  Do you have policies in place to ensure you are compliant with this legislation and have your staff been trained?  The warning of a possible custodial sentence should be a deterrent to anyone considering committing an offence which is covered under anti-bribery and corruption legislation.