A paralegal in London has been awarded £105,000 following an unfair dismissal, shedding light on troubling practices in some law firms.
- Forida Kaiser, employed at Khans Solicitors, was dismissed over unpaid wages and faced discriminatory treatment related to her disabilities and gender.
- Compensation was awarded not just for unfair dismissal but also for failures in contractual obligations and workplace adjustments.
- The tribunal highlighted the psychological impact of the discrimination, contributing to Kaiser’s departure from the legal profession.
- The case illustrates the severe repercussions of non-compliance with employment and discrimination laws by legal entities.
In a significant legal ruling, a London-based paralegal, Forida Kaiser, was awarded £105,000 after an employment tribunal found she had been unfairly dismissed by Khans Solicitors. The tribunal identified unpaid wages along with instances of disability and gender discrimination as core reasons for her dismissal.
Ms Kaiser, aspiring to become a solicitor, was initially supported by her firm to qualify. However, after revealing her diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, Khans Solicitors asked her to switch to a self-employed status, indicating a desire to cease her employment based on health discussions. This request was made despite her proven diligence and contribution to the firm’s client base.
Compensation of £105,500 was granted, covering a broad range of grievances including discrimination, failure to accommodate her disabilities, unpaid holiday wages, breach of contract, and lack of written employment terms. Aggravated damages of £5,000 were additionally imposed due to the firm’s unexpected stance given their legal expertise in employment law.
Judge Jones, presiding over the case, emphasized the detrimental effect on Ms Kaiser’s professional ambitions. Her mental health had been adversely affected, causing her to abandon her aspiration of qualifying as a solicitor. The tribunal criticised the firm for trivialising serious complaints, further awarding £3,600 in costs for unreasonable conduct during litigation.
Despite the setbacks, including reduced wages and difficulties securing subsequent employment, Ms Kaiser mitigated her financial losses through referral commissions. The case underscores the critical importance of adherence to employment laws, especially within legal practices.
This tribunal ruling serves as a cautionary tale for the legal profession, underscoring the importance of fair treatment and adherence to employment and discrimination legislation.
