IT worker on 15-year sick leave sues IBM for salary hike, tribunal dismisses case
PTC News Desk: An IT worker who has been on sick leave for a staggering 15 years has taken legal action against tech giant IBM, alleging discrimination due to the absence of a pay raise.
Ian Clifford argued that his £54,028 salary would gradually lose its value over time due to inflation. However, an employment tribunal judge swiftly dismissed his case, citing the substantial benefits he was already receiving.
The story of Ian Clifford dates back to 2000 when he joined Lotus Development, later acquired by IBM. After going on sick leave in 2008, he filed a grievance in 2013, claiming that he had not received a salary increase or holiday pay for the past five years.
Also Read: Bengaluru NRI's Tesla gets BMTC-inspired number plate as tribute to retired driver
In an attempt to resolve the matter, IBM placed Clifford on their disability plan, which ensured him 75 percent of his agreed earnings, amounting to £54,028 (approximately Rs 55.34 lakh) annually until the age of 65.
While the fixed salary of £54,028 per year until retirement would accumulate to over £1.5 million in total, Clifford perceived it differently. He argued that he was being treated unfairly compared to non-disabled employees who received pay raises adjusted for inflation.
Clifford contended that without adjusting his salary for inflation, its value would gradually diminish over time. However, Judge Paul Housego, who presided over the case, ruled that the disability plan was designed to provide security for employees unable to work. He emphasised that it was not discriminatory for the plan to not be "even more generous," given its exclusive availability to disabled individuals.
Judge Housego highlighted the substantial benefit of receiving over £50,000 annually, stating that even if its value were to halve over 30 years, it would still remain a significant sum.
Also Read: Woman demands wedding photographer refund after divorce, WhatsApp chat goes viral
- With inputs from agencies
