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A man from County Fermanagh has been awarded £75,000 following the resolution of an age discrimination case against his former employer.
Seamus Gillespie, 62, served WD Irwin and Sons bakery from 1991 until his redundancy in August 2022.
The Equality Commission supported the case, settled by the company without admission of liability.
WD Irwin and Sons asserted a strong commitment to equality and workplace diversity.
Mr. Gillespie claimed he was informed of the company's preference for younger recruits with a blue-chip background, indicating age-related concerns.
Feeling vulnerable, he anticipated losing accounts as the business unit controller role was filled, leading to reduced workload and potential redundancy.
It became evident to me
In August 2022, Mr. Gillespie, an Irwin's bakery employee, discovered a distribution project that overlooked him. Feeling excluded, he faced redundancy risk the next month, being the sole member affected.
Amid calls for age discrimination reform in Northern Ireland, comments about injecting "new blood" and concerns about the senior management team's age profile emerged during redundancy meetings.
Despite an appeal, Mr. Gillespie was ultimately made redundant, ending his 30-year tenure with Irwins. He expressed devastation, losing income, security, and hope for the future.
As a dedicated and experienced worker with no retirement plans, the sudden end to his career left him emotionally and financially distressed. Conversations with management made it clear that his journey with the company had abruptly concluded.
I'm pleased the case is settled, but I'd rather it never happened," he expressed. "People with experience can make great decisions and mentor newcomers."
Chief commissioner Geraldine McGahey acknowledged Mr. Gillespie's ongoing value to his former employer. Seamus dedicated 30 years to Irwin's bakery, feeling age was a factor in his redundancy
Geraldine McGahey of the Equality Commission emphasizes the need for employers to establish practices preventing potential discrimination.
In Northern Ireland it is unlawful to discriminate against employees because of their age.
Older workers have experience, skills and attributes that our economy needs to thrive. They are assets to their employers, just like every other employee.
It is imperative that employers have robust policies and practices in place to prevent any potential instances of age discrimination and that staff are adequately trained to use them.
In setting the case without admission, WD Irwin and Sons Ltd denied any liability.
It reaffirmed its "strong commitment to the principle of equality" and agreed to liaise with the commission to review policies, practices and procedures - an outcome that Mr Gillespie said he was "heartened" to hear.
WD Irwin & Sons has always prided itself on its commitment to diversity in the workplace," a spokesperson said.
Source: BBC
Image: Independent, RTE
