Dear Claudine,

I have been working for over twelve years with my employers. My position requires that I attend regular training courses. I got married two years ago and since then I have not been allowed to attend for any training. I know that other female single employees are regularly attending courses. My employer said that he would review the matter again in approximately six months. I feel that I am being treated unfairly.

I would appreciate your advice.

Thanks

Marie

Dear Marie,

Thank you very much for your e-mail. From your instructions, it certainly appears that you are being denied training because of your marital status. Furthermore, it appears that single employees are being given preference over married employees in relation to training, in particular female married employees. The Employment Equality Acts 1998-2004 prohibit discrimination in a wide range of employment and employment related areas. The legislation defines, “discrimination”, as treating one person in a less favourable way than another person on any of the following grounds:-Gender, Marital Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Age, Disability, Race, Religion, and/or Membership of the Traveller Community. The legislation prohibits discrimination on the grounds of marital status and provide that an employer must not discriminate against an employee concerning, “training or experience for/or in relation to employment”. Discrimination within employment is further prohibited and applies to conditions of employment, training and experience, promotion and re-grading, clarification of posts and pay, where two people are doing like work. I would advise that you speak to your employer in relation to your concerns outlining that you believe that you are being discriminated against on the basis of your marital status and your conditions of employment. There is a responsibility on every employer to ensure that if a complaint is made to them regarding discrimination that they remedy the policy of their company to ensure the cessation of such discrimination. If no action is taken by your employer within a reasonable period of time, then I would advise you to refer your complaint to The Equality Tribunal. Please note that your complaint should be brought within six months of the most recent occurrence of discrimination. This time limit may be extended for a further six months where there is reasonable cause for the delay in bringing the complaint within the first six months. You can make the Application yourself to The Equality Tribunal or instruct a Solicitor privately to act on your behalf. I wish you every success and hope that the above information clarifies matters for you.

With Every Good Wish.

Claudine