Part-timer wins claim for pregnancy sacking

A former part-time accounts clerk has been awarded £1,350 compensation after an industrial tribunal supported her claim that she was dismissed from a hotel because she was pregnant.

Following the hearing in Llandudno, north Wales, Angela Turley was also awarded £250 for injury to feelings.

The tribunal heard how she was sent a letter of dismissal from Bodysgallen Hall in Llandudno, Gwynedd, on 19 August 1997. Five days before this she had told a member of staff she was pregnant and had asked if she could reduce her weekly working hours.

When Turley joined the hotel on 27 May she was required to work eight hours each week, but two months later this number was increased to 10. On 14 August she asked if her hours could be cut back to eight because she was experiencing problems with her childminder.

In determining why the hotel dismissed Turley, the tribunal concluded: "They said it related to performance and reduction in hours. We felt, on the evidence we heard, that the applicant had been dismissed and the reason was that she was pregnant."

Matthew Johnson, manager of Bodysgallen Hall, said: "The termination was not connected with her pregnancy. The company never has any intention of acting in a discriminatory manner and does not believe it did so in this case."