Demanding Breasts! Company Fined $1.6 Million For Harrasment

Over time, we hope for more inclusive and safer workplaces, but current trends suggest otherwise. A recent incident in London highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring workplace safety.

An ex-Swiss Re underwriter has received compensation of nearly £1.3 million (equivalent to $1.6 million) from a London employment tribunal for experiencing gender discrimination and being unfairly dismissed.

The employee, who was a victim in this case, joined Zurich-based Swiss Re in 2017. In 2021, after returning from maternity leave, she was let go by the company. Amidst her termination, she sued Swiss Re for $5 million, citing inappropriate remarks about her breasts made by a senior manager.

Last year, the Central London Employment Tribunal concluded that her job loss was connected to an earlier decision to let her go, and that a senior manager had repeatedly embarrassed her. The tribunal also found the senior manager’s inappropriate comments, such as “if I had breasts like yours, I would be demanding too” and “I bet you like to be on top in bed,” to be unacceptable.

Following the judgment, she was awarded $1.6 million for mental and economic damages, including due bonuses. The company has refrained from making any comments on this issue.