Sex discrimination claim over parking fees
7 Mar 05
Part time researcher challenges flat rate hospital charge
A part time research fellow at Edinburgh University has launched a sex discrimination claim after her employers introduced a flat rate annual charge for parking at the city's Royal Infirmary where she is based.
Dr Susan Lewis, who works in geriatric medicine two days a week at the hospital, is aggrieved at having to pay the same £250 per year as full time colleagues. When her department first moved to the new hospital, she was allowed to pay a pro rata fee of £83, but the blanket charge was introduced last autumn.
Dr Lewis claims that most part time workers are female and that the revised scheme, impacting adversely on part time workers, constitutes indirect discrimination.
A hearing is expected in a few months.