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Former Policewomen Wins Sex Discrimination Case Against Sussex Police
22 November 2007
A policewoman has won her case of sex discrimination against the Force after being subjected to offensive and sexual remarks and exposure to inappropriate material on duty.
The employment tribunal found that the former policewoman was subjected to this treatment over a period of more than a year at Sussex Police because she was a woman. She has been supported by the Police Federation of England & Wales throughout her claim.
Barbara Lynford, 38 year-old originally from Sussex, joined Sussex Police on 16 August 1993 and spent her first nine years of service providing immediate reaction to urgent incidents reported to the police at Haywards Heath, Hove and Brighton Inner divisions. In August 2002, Miss Lynford transferred to the Gatwick Firearms division as an unarmed officer where she was the only permanent female officer in a staff of 14 constables, three Sergeants, and an Inspector.
After transferring to the Firearms division, Miss Lynford was repeatedly subjected to derisive remarks and treatment by her colleagues. The male officers singled her out as the only female and directed embarrassing and humiliating sexual remarks at her.
Work-related stress takes its toll
Ms Lynford also claimed her health and personal life began to suffer as a result of her work situation. She was prescribed anti-depressants by her GP and her relationship of more than five years ended. She has been signed off work with work-related stress since 24 August 2005. Prior to this, Ms Lynford had only one day off sick in the previous four years. The Employment Tribunal stated that “they were troubled” by the way Miss Lynford was treated and by the lack of support shown to her after she went on sick leave. The Tribunal also added these points “would benefit from further consideration” by the force.
Mohini Bharania, Miss Lynford’s solicitor in the award-winning Employment Law team at Russell Jones & Walker, said:
"It is regrettable that this experienced officer has had to tolerate this sort of behaviour in the workplace from her male colleagues and supervisors. It has taken enormous courage and strength for my client to raise these issues with her supervisors let alone bring them to the Employment Tribunal.”
Miss Lynford said:
"I am pleased the Employment Tribunal has vindicated my case. I hope now Sussex Police will learn from this case and take such complaints seriously in the future so that other female officers are not subjected to this kind of treatment. I have been fortunate that the Police Federation have supported me from the outset."
The Police Federation has supported Miss Lynford throughout the case. Ray Coster, General Secretary of the Police Federation’s Constables Central Committee, commented:
“It is very sad that Miss Lynford has had to tolerate such treatment from her colleagues within the workplace, and that the issues were not addressed by the Force at an early stage.”
“In particular I note the comments of the Tribunal re the way Miss Lynford was treated and the apparent lack of support from the Force whilst she was on sick leave. I would hope that the Force would learn from this case and take notice of the Tribunals comments to make sure that other officers are not subjected to sexual harassment or lack of support in the future.”