Online Travel Training (OTT) says it has “always taken the issue of respect in the workplace seriously” after it was ordered to pay out £36,000 to an employee whose victimisation complaint was upheld.
Last month, a tribunal upheld the claim from former business development manager Matthew Weinreb who was dismissed after complaining of sexism and racism, including being called a ‘princess’.
He had been dismissed from OTT in July 2019 on grounds of alleged misconduct and was told that part of the reason was that he had raised “very serious issues of sexism and racism”.
A separate claim against OTT of direct discrimination and harassment was dismissed.
At a remedy hearing on July 14, it was agreed that Online Travel would pay Weinreb just under £36,000, plus interest. The sum was agreed on the basis of his salary of £30,000 plus commission.
OTT managing director Julia Feuell said: “Whilst the tribunal dismissed the claims of harassment and discrimination, we remain disappointed that the tribunal supported the claim for victimisation.
“We have noted that the award in relation to this finding includes £23,000 for loss of earnings and £12,000 for injury to feelings. We are waiting for the written judgement in relation to these awards and shall be studying it once it is published.
“We have always taken the issue of respect in the workplace seriously and we remain committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment.”