Barmaid told ‘show off breasts’ wins case

A BARMAID has won £10,000 compensation after she was asked to show off her breasts to boost a Sheffield pub’s trade.

An employment tribunal heard how pub manager Andrew Stephens made derogatory remarks regarding barmaid Kathryn Broughton’s chest and on one occasion asked the petite 21-year-old if she was wearing a push-up bra. When she failed to reply her 33-year-old married boss told her: “Well you really should.”

Miss Broughton told an employment tribunal: “He then said ‘we will get more customers and you will get more tips’.”

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The part-time barmaid won her claim for sex discrimination after she quit the Rutland Arms pub in disgust.

She claimed ongoing sexual harassment over a six-month period by Mr Stephens, who is a shareholder in the Reet Ale Pubs company which runs the pub.

Miss Broughton said her boss first insulted her to “curry favour” with a member of staff, and often repeated the insult.

When she was off work sick Mr Stephens made a comment about her having a sexually transmitted disease.

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It culminated in her resigning following an incident on June 1, 2010 after Mr Stephens drank at least five pints one evening and was chatting at the bar.

He directed the “push-up bra” comment towards her at the end of the evening and Miss Broughton said: “I felt upset and degraded and very self-conscious.”

She became aware of her breasts being stared at. “I was a bit scared,” she said.

Mr Stephens denied making any sexual comments to the barmaid and said the picture she painted was “far removed from reality”.

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The panel decided Miss Broughton’s sex discrimination claim in her favour after a two-day hearing.

Employment Judge John Trayler said: “We think it more likely than not that the claimant’s version is correct.”

Miss Broughton was awarded £10,000 for injury to feelings and £529.34 in wages, plus interest, against Mr Stephens and Reet Ale Pubs.

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