Page 51 - Urban Kapital Magazine Autumn 21

MARIA ROONEY’S SUCCESSFUL

TRIBUNAL APPEAL:

A PRECEDENT FOR OTHER WOMEN EXPERIENCING

MENOPAUSE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE?

IMAGE: RIA ROONEY SPEAKING AT YOUTH CRIME CONFERENCE

Ms Rooney says making the decision to leave a job
she loved, was one of the hardest she has made.

“I decided to resign from my job after 12 years
and I sought legal advice. I lodged claims with the
Employment Tribunal. Unfortunately, the judge
struck out my discrimination, victimisation, and
harassment claims, so I appealed to the EAT and
was successful. Hopefully my case will now set a
precedent for other women experiencing
menopause discrimination in the workplace.”

Advice to other women

Maria says, she is concerned about other women
who experience this type of discrimination par-
ticularly regarding balancing menopause with
workplace commitments and general well-being
at work. She says many women are unsure if they
are being treated unfairly, or if there is a line of
support for them to access. She says, if a
workplace refuses to acknowledge a woman
struggling with menopause symptoms, women
should not be afraid to fight for their basic rights.

Maria says:

“It was a very difficult decision for me to leave as I
worked there for 12 years, and I loved my job and
the young people I worked with. This matter has
had an emotional and financial impact on my
family too. It’s been awful! the worst 4 years of my
life! Always go with your gut instinct, if it doesn’t
feel right then it isn’t right and never listen to bad MAGAZINE // 51
or negative advice. Always fight for your rights!”