A student who worked as a sales assistant has settled her sexual harassment claim against her former employer, British sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion, for £65,000 (€74k).
Jayla Boyd was employed part-time in a Belfast store while studying for her A-Levels when a male supervisor slapped her on the bottom, reports Breaking News.
She reported the incident to her manager the same day and was told it had been captured on the store’s CCTV system.
However, the supervisor was allowed to continue working alongside her for the remainder of the shift, reports Breaking News.
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI), which supported her legal action, stated that the supervisor approached her twice during that time and apologised, claiming it was “muscle memory.”
Despite lodging a sexual harassment complaint, Ms Boyd said she was not formally interviewed about her experience, reports Breaking News.
In a statement, the ECNI said Ms Boyd felt upset and distressed that her employer failed to provide support after the incident.
She took some annual leave to step away from work, but upon returning, she was not updated on the investigation or outcome of her complaint, reports Breaking News.
Ms Boyd also believed her personal information related to the incident was visible to other staff on a manager’s computer.
“Ms Boyd experienced further embarrassment during a staff training session when an example involving a woman being slapped on the bottom by a supervisor was discussed,” the statement added, reports Breaking News.
“She felt certain the example referred to her own experience,” reports Breaking News.
Ms Boyd eventually resigned from her role.
“Like most A-Level students, I was working in a part-time job to earn some money. I never expected this to happen to me,” she said, reports Breaking News.
“The initial incident was embarrassing, but it was made worse because I felt like they were trying to ignore what had happened to me instead of dealing with it properly, I had to remain working with this male supervisor after he had sexually harassed me, Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported at work, I hope that by speaking out I can give others the confidence to challenge this type of behaviour,” she added, reports Breaking News.
Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner with the ECNI, said: “A zero-tolerance approach by employers to sexual harassment in the workplace will remind everyone how seriously it will be dealt with should any instances arise, In order to prevent it, employers must ensure that all staff know what behaviour is acceptable, and unacceptable, in the workplace,” reports Breaking News.
She added that employers need clear policies and procedures to address harassment, and managers must be trained to apply them appropriately.
In settling the case, JD Sports Fashion PLC acknowledged and apologised for the significant upset, distress, and injury to feelings experienced by Ms Boyd, reports Breaking News.
The company reaffirmed its commitment to equality of opportunity and agreed to liaise with the ECNI to review its policies, practices, and procedures.
A JD Sports Fashion spokesperson said: “We apologise unreservedly to Ms Boyd for the significant upset caused, This incident occurred in July 2024 and was promptly addressed in line with our policies, The individual involved is no longer employed by the company, We work hard to create an environment where all colleagues are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace and whilst we have already made some changes to our processes, we welcome the opportunity to liaise with the Equality Commission to further review our policies, practices and procedures,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
