In a significant legal victory, a woman from Scotland, Karen Farquharson, has been awarded more than ₹37 lakh (approximately £37,000) in compensation after her boss allegedly belittled her menopause-related concerns and used derogatory language. Karen had worked at the engineering firm Thistle Marine for nearly three decades before deciding to quit.
Ms. Farquharson accused her boss, Jim Clark, the managing director of Thistle Marine in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, of downplaying her medical condition and urging her to “just get on with it.” These actions prompted her to file a lawsuit against the company, citing unfair dismissal and harassment.
Describing her boss as a “dinosaur” who resisted change and failed to adapt to modern workplace sensitivities, the 49-year-old Ms. Farquharson revealed her frustration. She said, “I had known this company for 27 years, and they treated me like rubbish. Mr. Clark didn’t like change. He didn’t like being challenged on things. He didn’t move with the times. I tried to explain some issues in what you can say and what you can’t say, and it just fell on deaf ears.”
Ms. Farquharson also alleged that her boss would frequently refer to employees who were on sick leave as “snowflakes,” a term often used pejoratively to describe individuals perceived as overly sensitive or fragile.
Founded by Mr. Clark in the late 1970s, Thistle Marine faced scrutiny during the tribunal in Aberdeen, where Ms. Farquharson’s case was heard.
The incident traces back to August 2021 when Ms. Farquharson informed her boss about experiencing symptoms related to menopause, including anxiety, loss of concentration, and brain fog. In December 2022, she worked from home for two days due to heavy snowfall and then because of menopausal bleeding. When she returned to the office a day later, she encountered Mr. Clark in the corridor, and he reportedly made sarcastic remarks about her attendance, saying, “Oh, I see you’ve made it in.”
Ms. Farquharson attempted to explain her situation, but Mr. Clark allegedly responded dismissively, stating that everyone experiences “aches and pains.” This encounter left Ms. Farquharson feeling upset and indignant, prompting her to confront Mr. Clark.
During the tribunal, Mr. Clark contended that his comments were “innocent” and insinuated that Ms. Farquharson was attempting to secure money ahead of her wedding.
The tribunal panel’s findings included a description of Mr. Clark as “blunt, self-made, and a successful businessman.” However, it also noted his lack of empathy for individuals who faced challenges that differed from his own experiences, such as illness or difficulties at work.
The case highlights the importance of addressing workplace issues related to health, discrimination, and the need for empathy and understanding in professional environments.
Sources By Agencies
