Economist Olwen Renowden has been awarded £19,000 at an employment tribunal in Cardiff. The tribunal found that Mrs Renowden - an experienced economist employed by the office of National Statistics (ONS) - had been denied promotion because of her gender.
Mrs Renowden was employed by the ONS in 2016. On commencing her appointment she noticed that there were no female economists employed at the Grade 6 level - despite there being 114 men economists in total.
Prior to her joining ONS, Mrs Renowden had worked in London for - amongst others - the Bank of England and the International Monetary Fund, in addition to holding several senior Whitehall posts. She had a total of more than 20 years experience, had previously worked at Grade 6 level and had experience in macro-economics.
In February 2017, the ONS advertised two Grade 6 posts and Mrs Renowden, together with another female economist - who also had held senior posts and with 20 years experience - applied.
In April 2017, Mrs Renowden was told that she had failed to get an interview for either post. She queried this with management requesting an explanation but none was forthcoming. It was suggested that she contact HR.
It was announced the following month that the successful candidates were both male. They were young and inexperienced; neither had been employed at Grade 6 level previously and neither had experience in macro-economics. In addition, they each had less than six years professional experience. A third post - created later - was also given to a man.
Mrs Renowden raised a grievance and was represented by the Prospect Union National Secretary. Her grievance and subsequent appeal were not upheld and she resigned from the ONS in August 2018. She then applied for her case to be heard by the employment tribunal - which took place in Cardiff in January 2019.
The tribunal found that “favouritism” existed towards male staff and that had not been addressed by those who should have addressed it, stating that “the approach to gender balance…pointed towards a culture where discrimination and in particular, sex discrimination, is not properly understood by those who are required to ensure its elimination”.
It added that it was “reasonable to infer that the culture of the respondent is one where advantage and favouritism to males is not recognised as potentially discriminatory”.
Sue Ferns - Prospect Senior Deputy General Secretary - commented:
“This case reveals a shocking lack of diversity among economists at ONS and what seems like the deliberate overlooking of female candidates in favour of men. It’s 2019 but it seems we still have a long way to go to overcome stereotypes in the workplace”.
She added:
“The finding of the tribunal puts employers on notice that unequal employment practices will not be tolerated. It also sends a message to anyone who has suffered at the hands of their employer that they can expect redress, and that unions are standing by to help their members achieve justice.”
A spokesperson for the ONS said:
“The ONS values the contributions of all its people and is continually working to support everyone in progressing their careers. We are considering the ruling in this case very carefully.”
