In the case of Dr K Lidster v UK Research and Innovation, Katie Lidster, was demoted from her position at the Government-backed UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) while caring for her second child, Daisy, who had been born two months premature.
The mother-of-two, who had been based in Devon but often attended overseas conferences and commuted into London once a week, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder but was having counselling and had been feeling positive again, got in touch with her employer seven months after the C-section to discuss her return
However, during an 11-minute phone call, her line manager told her it would be inappropriate to return to that position. She was offered a role with diminished responsibilities, four days a week, and later told that her old job no longer existed.
Five weeks later, Lidster discovered that a role almost identical to her previous one was being advertised internally. “They had added one word to the job description and one responsibility, which I had been doing anyway,” Lidster said. The post was given to the person who had been doing her maternity cover.
UKRI admitted culpability at a Bristol employment tribunal and was ordered to pay £23,000 plus interest in damages.
This provides summary information and comment on the subject areas covered. Where employment tribunal and appellate court cases are reported, the information does not set out all of the facts, the legal arguments presented and the judgments made in every aspect of the case. Employment law is subject to constant change either by statute or by interpretation by the courts. While every care has been taken in compiling this information, we cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Specialist legal advice must be taken on any legal issues that may arise before embarking upon any formal course of action.