Case filed at Tribunal over alleged discrimination at DJA
A discrimination case involving a long-serving employee of the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) has been filed with the Employment Tribunal.
In the case filed by the employee, who has been with DJA for over 20 years, it was stated that she faced discrimination and was unfairly overlooked for a promotion to Senior Legal Officer. The employee alleged that the position was seemingly intended for another individual, and sought to have the tribunal recognize that she possessed the two years of experience necessary for the post, which DJA deemed the employee lacked, and to declare her eligible for the post. She also requested to declare that she had the right to pursue legal action over the matter.
In their ruling, the tribunal found discrimination against the applicant. However, the tribunal ruled that they did not have jurisdiction to hear the case based on the procedural point raised in DJA’s response to the case. In their decision made last week, the tribunal said the employee had failed to cite the relevant legal provision when the case was initially filed.
The DJA has faced numerous employment-related cases, with most rulings made against the department. This has resulted in significant financial costs to the state due to repeated illegal actions against its employees. Recently, the Supreme Court ordered the reinstatement of 10 individuals who were illegally dismissed by the DJA.