Woman Sues Boss For Dismissing Her Menopause Symptoms, Wins ₤37,000

Karen Farquharson who used to occasionally work from home due to her tormenting menopause symptoms when complained to her company about the 'disgust and disdain' with which she had been treated, lost access to the company's accounts system and she was no longer able to work remotely. 

Farquharson resigned from the firm and took the firm to the tribunal after which she was compensated with the amount of £37,379.56. 

Woman Wins ₤37,000 Aftering Suing Boss 

According to Metro, a female employee working in Scotland who worked with an engineering firm, Thristle Marine for 27 years, sued the founder of the company, Jim Clark, for dismissal of her menopausal issues. 

49-year-old Farquharson, a mother of two, suffered some major symptoms of menopause such as brain fog and anxiety due to which Farquharson had to occasionally work from home. But her medical issues were dismissed by her boss, Jim Clark. Reportedly, Clark dismissed her medical issues as an excuses for getting away from work.

When Farquharson complained about her boss's dismissal of her menopause, she was cut out from the company's accounts system which meant she could no longer work remotely. 

Farquharson was then helpless and resigned from the firm and sued them in a tribunal. In the tribunal trials, Farquharson recalled that in December 2022, she worked from her home for two days for her menopausal bleeding and the next day due to heavy snowfall. A day later, Farquharson reached her office around 2 pm upon which she received a sarcastic remark from her boss Jim Clark.

Later, Farquharson recalled confronting Clark for his behaviour, Clark remarked "Menopause- Menopause everybody f***ing gets it, just get on with it. That's your excuse for everything." 

The panel heard that when Farquharson later emphasised to Clark that he had no understanding of the discomfort and challenges she faces particularly when she experiences heavy bleeding, Clark allegedly once again dismissively mentioned menopause saying "Everybody has aches and pains." 

Following this conversation, Farquharson launched her grievances to the company upon which she was removed from access to work from home. 

Farquharson also told the tribunal about her observation during her tenure with the firm that her boss was particularly having issues with the employees for taking holidays or off days for being ill. Clark would often refer to employees who were off for being sick as "snowflakes", Farquharson claimed. 

At the tribunal hearing, Clark defended himself saying his remarks were 'innocent' and suggested that the former employee (Farquharson) had shrewdly engineered the situation so that she could get a payout amount through the compensation for a forthcoming wedding. 

After hearing both sides, the tribunal said Clark might have many admirable qualities but empathy is not one of them calling him a "blunt man." The panel said that it is clear to them that Clark holds little respect and time for those who cannot work as hard as him without illness, unlike him. 

The panel concluded that Clark violated the dignity of Farquharson with his comments and actions towards Farquharson's medical problems and awarded Farquharson a compensation of £37,379.56.

Farquharson spoke about the stress the situation caused her that even if she won she still has anxiety and disbelief of what they did to her. Farquharson said she has lost her self-belief has zero confidence and is now very untrusting, calling the situation a huge strain and the worst experience of her life. 

There are many challenges that women face during menopause, including physical symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. They may also experience emotional symptoms such as mood swings, irritability, and anxiety. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life.

Men need to be supportive and understanding during this time. They should listen to their partners and offer help when needed. They should also be patient and understanding, as menopause can be a difficult transition for many women.

Suggested Reading: Why Do Women’s Pain Go Unheard? Research Points To Gender Bias