A woman who was told to stand up and turn around before being slapped on the bottom with a ruler by her male manager has settled a sexual harassment case for £90,000.
After complaining to her company, she was treated like a troublemaker and her former employer – based in Northern Ireland – alleged she had “dressed and behaved provocatively”, she said.
The case has been highlighted by the Northern Ireland Equality Commission, whose chief commissioner, Geraldine McGahey, said it was a shocking case that “demonstrates a toxic laddish culture that shows scant respect for female colleagues”.
The woman said she was smacked in front of another male manager.
The one who slapped her laughed and said: “I’m sorry, I had to.” The woman looked at the other male manager and asked: “Is that allowed?” Both the men treated it as a joke.
As part of the settlement agreement, the woman’s employer has agreed to work with the commission on their sexual harassment policies and to train all managers and staff in those policies.
Credit: theguardian.com
