Equality Tribunal awards €15,000 to large-breasted woman
The Equality Tribunal has awarded €15,000 to a large-breasted woman whom it says was sacked by her employer on grounds of disability.
The woman was dismissed shortly after getting the job in February 2000 after telling a training instructor that she had difficulty sitting up straight because she was heavy-chested and naturally slouches.
The instructor had told her several times to sit up straight to avoid damaging her back.
Her employer said the woman had breached trust by not revealing the back problem on a medical questionnaire, but she argued that she had no back problem and was fit to work.
The Equality Tribunal has ruled that her employer attributed a disability to her without making adequate inquiries in relation to her actual fitness.
It says this was a significant factor in her dismissal and amounted to discrimination.
The tribunal has ordered that the woman be paid €10,000 for lost income and €5,000 for the distress suffered.
