Lawyer launches bias claim over 'missed promotion' chance

An Asian woman local government solicitor is suing her employer for race and sex discrimination on the grounds that it passed her over for promotion in favour of a more junior colleague.

Rubina Qaiyoom, assistant lawyer at the London Borough of Ealing, lodged her claim with the employment tribunal at Watford, alleging that when the position of senior lawyer became available it was given to a legal executive with no experience at senior level.

Ms Qaiyoom also said she had covered the post for two years without being formally temporarily promoted, which was 'contrary to both custom and practice both in legal services and across the board in the London Borough of Ealing.'

She argued the 'humiliation' also constituted breach of contract.

Ms Qaiyoom has been signed off work sick owing to stress and depression.

An Ealing Council spokesman said the local authority took allegations of discrimination 'very seriously' and was committed to observing and promoting equal opportunities.

He added: 'An internal investigation into Rubina's claim is currently taking place; in these circumstances it is inappropriate for us to comment any further on the matter.'

Paula Rohan