A red-headed waitress who suffered taunts for the colour of her hair has been awarded £17,618 compensation in a landmark ruling by an employment tribunal.
The payout has sparked fears that ‘gingerism’ could be the latest form of discrimination. According to the Telegraph report, Sarah Primmer worked as a waitress in Plymouth between November 2004 and October last year. She said that during the past six months a series of lewd and embarrassing comments had been made to her by the cafe’s night manager.
The waitress claimed compensation for unfair dismissal and sexual harassment, as well as notice, holiday and sick pay.
The tribunal chairman said in her judgement that there was “regular sexual harassment and innuendo”, according to the paper.
Primmer, who is reported to be staggered by the size of the awards, said she spent £90 every three months to keep her hair blonde.
