DEC-E2001-028

Employment Equality Act, 1977

Equality Officer Recommendation

DEC-E2001-028

70 Named Female Employees
(represented by MANDATE)

-v-

Superquinn
(represented by IBEC)

File No. EE07/1998
Date of issue: 21 September 2001

Employment - Sex -Discriminatory Treatment - Cleaning of Staff Uniforms - Direct Discrimination - Indirect Discrimination - Prima Facie Case - The Employment Equality Act, 1977: sections 2(a) 2(c) and 3 Equal Treatment Directive

This dispute concerns a claim by MANDATE, on behalf of 70 named female employees of Superquinn, Sutton that they are discriminated against by the respondent in relation to the cleaning of staff uniforms on grounds of sex. The claim was referred in February 1998 under Sections 2(a) and 2(c) of the Employment Equality Act, 1977. In Superquinn Sutton departments are divided into two categories fresh food and non-fresh food, likewise staff uniforms are divided into two main categories, in fresh food departments staff wear white uniforms and non-white uniforms are generally worn at checkouts, shop floor and similar areas. The fresh food/white uniforms are cleaned by the company while employees in other areas are responsible for cleaning their own uniforms.

• DEC-E2001-028.pdf (size 105.4 KB)