TWO pharmacy workers have won nearly £38,000 after an employment tribunal upheld their claims for harassment and unfair dismissal, their trade union said today.
The former Ebbw Vale staff won their claims for harassment related to their sexual orientation against Sharief Healthcare Ltd.
Lisa Bennett, who had more than 30 years’ pharmacy service, also won her claim for unfair dismissal after a Cardiff Employment Tribunal found the grievances raised against them were connected to their sexual orientation and amounted to harassment.
It also found serious flaws in the investigation that led to Ms Bennett’s dismissal, including a failure to properly investigate her concerns.
Ms Bennett said: “Losing my job after more than 30 years was devastating.
“Having private details about my sexuality used in workplace complaints made it even worse.”
Unison Cymru’s organiser Lynne Hackett said: “Employers must take concerns about homophobia seriously and investigate them properly.
“This result shows why workers need strong protection against discrimination and harassment, and why union support matters.”
The company was asked to comment.
Our priority must be to defend hard-won protections while linking equality law to trade union power and wider social transformation, says MARY DAVIS, on behalf of the Women’s Liberation Alliance
ROGER McKENZIE calls for greater support from trade unionists and the general public for female workers involved in industrial disputes



