A town council has been ordered to pay nearly £3,000 in compensation to a job applicant after an employment tribunal found its recruitment criteria indirectly discriminated on grounds of age. Lymington and Pennington Town Council in Hampshire was told to pay £2,500 plus £292 interest to applicant Mr Sheehy for injury to his feelings.
The tribunal heard that the council's job posting for the role of town clerk in March 2024 required candidates to have 10 years' managerial experience, a relevant degree, and a Certificate in Local Council Administration. Mr Sheehy, aged 29 at the time, had seven years' experience as a town clerk and held the certificate but lacked a degree.
Judge Dawson ruled that the 10-year experience requirement placed people aged 31 or under at a disadvantage, particularly when combined with the degree requirement. The judge noted that the council failed to provide evidence that 10 years' experience was reasonably necessary, rather than, say, eight years.
The council initially rejected Mr Sheehy's application but later reconsidered it after he raised concerns. However, he was not shortlisted for interview. Councillors stated that other candidates were better suited, citing concerns about the short duration of Mr Sheehy's previous roles.
The tribunal upheld the claim of indirect age discrimination for the period up to March 1, 2024, when the age-limit was applied, but not from March 6, when his application was reconsidered. The judge awarded compensation for the distress caused.
Following the ruling, town mayor Councillor Colm McCarthy expressed regret over the tribunal process, stating it had cost taxpayers in administrative time and the settlement amount. He added that the council accepted the judge's assessment and would move forward.
