Teen Wins £30,000 for Trainer Dismissal in Tribunal

Elizabeth Benassi, a former employee of Maximus UK Services, won nearly £30,000 in compensation after an employment tribunal in Croydon ruled she was unfairly dismissed for wearing trainers to work. The tribunal found that Benassi was treated differently from other employees, who also wore trainers without repercussions, and that her managers had a 'desire to find fault' with her. Benassi, who joined the company at 18, claimed she faced age-based discrimination and was micromanaged, with the tribunal dismissing her harassment claim but affirming victimization. The judge noted the hostile work environment and lack of awareness about the dress code as contributing factors to her dismissal. Benassi was particularly singled out by her manager, Ishrat Ashraf, and the operations manager, Abdul Ali, despite apologizing for her footwear. This ruling sets a significant precedent for employment rights concerning dress code policies and age discrimination.