A hair salon in Dundee has been ordered to pay more than £8,000 in compensation after unfairly dismissing a trainee while she was on maternity leave.
Julie Hardie took maternity leave from her position at Fiona's Salon in August last year, with the intention of returning to work in November, reports the Herald.
However, when Ms Hardie attempted to resume working, she was told not to come back.
Although the salon continued to pay her maternity pay, she took action against her employer for unfair dismissal and sex discrimination.
An employment tribunal found in her favour on both accusations, with the judge explaining that any dismissal related to a pregnancy is automatically considered unfair.
The tribunal awarded Ms Hardie £8,824 in compensation, including £3,300 for her injured feelings.
Employment tribunals will find that any dismissal connected to maternity, paternity or paternal leave, or time away from the workplace for antenatal care is unfair.
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