Prison guard forced out of her job because she was too sexy wins unfair dismissal case 
Prison guard forced out of her job because she was too sexy wins unfair dismissal case
Prison Officer Amitjo Kajla, from HM Prison Brinsford, Wolverhampton, took the Prison Service to an employment tribunal, claiming constructive dismissal – and age and sex discrimination. She alleged she was bullied by colleagues, essentially due to her pleasing appearance.
Giving evidence earlier in the tribunal, former colleague, Philippa Maddox, said that Ms Kajla did not follow advice regarding hair and make-up and claimed the uniform she wore was “snugly fitted.” Apparently she would also “go and talk to the lads. She lacked boundaries and assertiveness with the prisoners.”
The tribunal has now ruled that Miss Kajla was discriminated against on the grounds of her sex and subjected to harrassment for the same reason. It further found she had been discriminated against on grounds of her age and unfairly dismissed, but held she was not victimised for making sex discrimination allegations.
Commenting on the outcome, Miss Kajla said “I am very happy with the tribunal’s decision. All I ever did was try to uphold the HMPS Purpose Statement. This clearly states that their duty is to “look after prisoners with humanity” and I sought to apply that in my work by treating prisoners with respect. However, one officer didn’t like my way of working which was counter to the macho approach he favoured. I was seen as a weak woman who could be bullied.” She went on to say “I am very happy they have condemned the HMPS for the way they sought to justify the actions of the bully by suggesting my approach to work and my appearance was inappropriate and could create a breach in security.”
A remedies hearing will take place at a later date.
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