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In settling the case without admission of liability, PwC expressed regret for the upset and distress experienced
A woman who worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers Services Ltd (PwC) for more than 40 years said she is "heartbroken" as she settled her case of age and disability discrimination against the company for £150,000.
The woman said that a senior colleague raised concerns about her knowledge of new technology and asked if training was something she was interested in at her age.
She also reported being told that, because of her length of service, she was just working towards her pension, and that she looked tired and should consider taking time off for caring responsibilities.
In settling the case without admission of liability, PwC expressed regret for the upset and distress experienced.
The woman, who worked as an executive support assistant, was stunned and upset by what she believed were unfair and discriminatory remarks and submitted a formal grievance.
Following this, the woman says she was subjected to unjustified performance criticisms by senior colleagues, despite having received consistently strong performance reviews over many years.
The internal grievance investigation concluded that she had experienced harassment but found that it did not amount to unlawful discrimination.
The woman was later told that her appeal of this decision was unsuccessful and agreed to end her employment with PwC as part of her settlement agreement.
'Extremely distressing and stressful'
Speaking about her experience, the woman said: "I dedicated my working life to PwC.
"I'm heartbroken. I never imagined this is how my career would end after such loyal service."
She added that the experience has been "extremely distressing and stressful" and "felt compelled to bring this case".
"Not only to seek justice for myself, but to act as a voice for others who may suffer in silence."
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
Geraldine McGahey said all employees, regardless of their age, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect
The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.
Its Chief Commissioner, Geraldine McGahey, said: "This long-serving employee believes her age and caring responsibilities became an issue for her employer, leading to this situation.
"Older workers bring valuable experience, skills, and insight to the workforce.
"All employees, regardless of their age, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in the workplace."
In settling the case, PwC expressed regret for the upset and distress experienced by their former employee and provided a reference.
The company reaffirmed its strong commitment to equality of opportunity in employment and undertook to ensure that its management and staff are aware of their obligations under equality law.
It confirmed it will work with the Equality Commission to review its equal opportunities policies, procedures, and practices.
