A student who worked as a sales assistant has settled her sexual harassment case against her former employer, British sportswear retailer JD Sports Fashion, for £65,000 (€74k).
Jayla Boyd was working part-time in a Belfast store while studying for her A-Levels when she was slapped on the bottom by a male supervisor.
She reported the incident to her manager on that day and was told it had been recorded on the CCTV store's system.
However, the supervisor was allowed to continue working alongside her for the rest of the shift.
The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI), which supported her legal action, said the supervisor had approached her twice during that time and apologised for what he had done, explaining that it was "muscle memory".
Despite raising a complaint of sexual harassment, Ms Boyd claimed that while she made a written statement, she was not interviewed formally about her experience.
In a statement, the ECNI said Ms Boyd felt upset and distressed that her employer failed to offer her support after the incident.
She used some annual leave to take time away from her job but when she returned, she said she was not updated about the investigation or outcome of her complaint.
The student also believed that her personal information relating to the incident was seen by other staff on a manager's computer.
"Ms Boyd experienced further embarrassment during a staff training session when an example involving a woman being slapped on the bottom by a supervisor was discussed," the statement added.
"She felt certain the example referred to her own experience."
Ms Boyd later resigned from her job.
"Like most A-Level students, I was working in a part-time job to earn some money. I never expected this to happen to me," she said in a statement.
"The initial incident was embarrassing, but it was made worse because I felt like they were trying to ignore what had happened to me instead of dealing with it properly.
"I had to remain working with this male supervisor after he had sexually harassed me. Everyone deserves to feel safe and supported at work.
"I hope that by speaking out I can give others the confidence to challenge this type of behaviour."
Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner with the ECNI said: "A zero-tolerance approach by employers to sexual harassment in the workplace will remind everyone how seriously it will be dealt with should any instances arise.
"In order to prevent it, employers must ensure that all staff know what behaviour is acceptable, and unacceptable, in the workplace."
She said employers must have clear policies and procedures in place to deal with harassment, and managers must be trained to use them appropriately.
In settling the case, JD Sports Fashion PLC acknowledged and apologised for the significant upset, distress, and injury to feelings experienced by Ms Boyd.
The company reaffirmed its strong commitment to the principle of equality of opportunity. It has also agreed to liaise with the ECNI to review its policies, practices and procedures.
A JD Sports Fashion spokesperson said: "We apologise unreservedly to Ms Boyd for the significant upset caused.
"This incident occurred in July 2024 and was promptly addressed in line with our policies. The individual involved is no longer employed by the company.
"We work hard to create an environment where all colleagues are treated with dignity and respect in the workplace and whilst we have already made some changes to our processes, we welcome the opportunity to liaise with the Equality Commission to further review our policies, practices and procedures."
