Geraldine McGahey

Lara Storey, a former part-time Dotcom Personal Shopper, claimed that she had been subjected to sexual harassment by a colleague which included physical touching.

Due to her experience, Ms Storey raised a grievance with her employer which was upheld. Despite this, the colleague she had complained about remained in post, even though assurances were given that the person in question would be retrained or relocated to another department or store.

Ms Storey believed this decision was in breach of her employer’s equal opportunities policy and disciplinary code of conduct and that it failed to provide her with a safe and secure working environment.

She subsequently lodged a complaint at the Office of the Industrial Tribunal, but felt that she was then victimised and treated unfairly by more senior staff. This included being ignored and constantly criticised for very minor work issues.

Ms Storey eventually resigned from her job with Tesco due to her experience.

Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner at the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, said: “Our sex discrimination laws are almost 50 years old, and unfortunately, they are needed as much today as they did when they were first introduced.

“Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect at work. Employers must ensure that, where their employees fail to live up to that standard, action is taken to deal with it effectively and that employees are dealt with or supported appropriately.

“It is imperative therefore that employers have policies and procedures in place to manage these situations effectively and that their managers are trained to use them.”

In settling the cases, the company reaffirmed its commitment to equality of opportunity and regrets how the events that led to these claims made Ms Storey feel and will improve processes going forward.

Tesco has also agreed to liaise with the Equality Commission to review its policies, practices and procedures on harassment.

The case was settled without admission of liability.