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Two former employees of Allied Pharmacies in Ebbw Vale have been awarded a total of £37,984 after the Cardiff Employment Tribunal found they had suffered harassment relating to their sexual orientation.

The former employees, Lisa Bennett and Ms L. Moilanen, had their complaint upheld by the tribunal on August 8 following a four-day hearing.

The tribunal found that grievances raised against both women were linked to their sexual orientation and amounted to harassment, said trade union Unison, of which both women are members, in a September 8 statement.

Flaws in the company’s investigation led to Ms Bennett being dismissed, with the tribunal finding their concerns were not properly investigated.

Ms Bennett, who had over 30 years’ experience working in pharmacies, also had a complaint of unfair dismissal upheld.

She commented:  “Losing my job after more than 30 years was devastating. Having private details about my sexuality used in workplace complaints made it even worse.

“No one should have to worry that their sexual orientation will be used against them at work. I’m glad the tribunal recognised what happened.

Unison Cymru regional organiser Lynne Hackett said: “Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity at work. Employers must take concerns about homophobia seriously and investigate them properly.

“This result shows why workers need strong protection against discrimination and harassment, and why union support matters.”

Thompsons Solicitors senior lawyer Jazmeer Jackson said:  “We don’t often get ‘slam dunk’ cases, particularly in discrimination claims. But in this case, the evidence told a compelling story.

“The members stood up for their rights, and we were proud to stand alongside them.”

Allied Pharmacies has been approached for comment.

Related: Pharmacy chain to appeal ‘disappointing’ employment tribunal decision

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