Workers could get EU protection

04/02/2008

A landmark case could see UK workers further protected against dismissal if they are forced to leave their careers and care for relatives.

Sharon Coleman is claiming she suffered discrimination by being a carer. If the European Court of Justice agrees, then other employees with similar claims could also claim compensation.

"Instead of liability being limited to failing to comply with a request for flexible working, employers could face discrimination claims with uncapped damages," Nick Thomas, senior associate at law firm Jones Day, told Personnel Today.

Workers in UK jobs are protected by legislation, which is designed to ensure equal treatment regardless of ethnicity, sexual preference and disability.

The internet has freed many workers from their offices - providing an employee has the right to apply for flexible working, then by law an employer must consider the request.

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