Citibank Employee Wins £215,000 After Losing Promotion During Maternity Leave

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Maeve Bradley, a former assistant vice president at Citibank, has accepted a £215,000 settlement after alleging she was denied a promotion while on maternity leave in 2023. The settlement, reached without an admission of liability from Citibank, aims to prevent similar discrimination against women taking parental leave.

Bradley, who served at the bank since March 2021, claimed that upon her return from maternity leave, she was informed that her promotion had been awarded to the individual who covered her absence. The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, which highlighted ongoing issues surrounding maternity leave and workplace discrimination.

According to the commission, Bradley believed she was a strong candidate for promotion based on her work performance and had expected to return to her original role, potentially re-leveled to vice president. However, when she inquired about the promotion before her return, she was offered a different position instead.

“I was devastated, really devastated,” Bradley told the BBC. “All I did was have a baby. I loved my job, I wanted to return to my job.” After filing a formal grievance that went unaddressed, she initiated legal action based on sex discrimination, disability discrimination, and victimization.

The Equality Commission noted that pregnancy-related complaints remain the most common issues it encounters, with over 1,000 complaints received annually. Geraldine McGahey, the commission’s chief commissioner, emphasized the need for awareness and adherence to laws protecting women’s rights in the workplace, which have been in place for nearly 50 years.

“Maeve should have been considered for the promotion,” McGahey said. “The law entitles women to take maternity leave and ensures that they return to the same job they left.”

Citibank released a statement expressing disappointment that they could not reach an agreement for Bradley’s return, highlighting their ongoing commitment to maintaining an inclusive workplace. “We appreciate the engagement of Ms. Bradley and the Equality Commission in resolving this matter,” the spokesperson said.

The settlement underscores a broader concern regarding sex discrimination in the corporate world, encouraging ongoing discussions about maternity rights and workplace equity.