<i>Bower</I> v <i>Schroder Securities Ltd</I>

Just before Easter the national newspapers picked up on the case of Julie Bower, an equities analyst who won claims of unfair dismissal and unlawful sex discrimination against Schroder Securities in the employment tribunal. The tribunal found that Ms Bower was the victim of a plan by her manager to drive her out of the company and that this, and the low level of a discretionary award made to her, were as a result of sex discrimination. Perhaps of more general concern are the tribunal’s criticisms of Schroder’s practices in awarding bonuses and promoting employees, practices which are certainly not unusual in the City. Those with similar practices may therefore want to review them in the light of this case.

Schroder’s bonus scheme