Northern Ireland

Fermanagh man (62) to receive £75,000 after age discrimination case with leading bakery settled

Seamus Gillespie claimed WD Irwin & Sons made clear wanted younger staff before made redundant after 30 years

Seamus Gillespie, a 60-year-old, sales manager has settled his age discrimination case against his former employer WD Irwin and Sons Ltd for £75,000. The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and was settled without admission of liability by the company.
Seamus Gillespie, who settled age discrimination case against WD Irwin & Sons, at his home near Belcoo, Fermanag. Picture By: Arthur Allison: Pacemaker Press.
By John Breslin

A 62-year-old Fermanagh man was awarded £75,000 in a settlement over an age discrimination claim against a well known bakery.

Seamus Gillespi, from near Belcoo, was made redundant from WD Irwin & Sons bakery in 2022 after more than 30 years working for the company.

The case was settled without any admission of liability. Mr Gillespie was supported by the Equality Commission.

In a statement, the Portadown-headquartered bakery, in business for more than 100 years, said it prided itself on its commitment to diversity in the workplace and is reviewing workplace policies with the commission.

Geraldine McGahey, chief commissioner, said: “Seamus gave 30 years of his working life to Irwin’s Bakery and still had a lot to offer.

“He felt that his age was a problem for his employer and believes that was why he was made redundant. In Northern Ireland it is unlawful to discriminate against employees because of their age.”

Chief Commissioner for the Equality Commission Geraldine McGahey said she hoped their submission would highlight ‘the need for urgent action’ (Liam McBurney/PA)
Chief Commissioner for the Equality Commission Geraldine McGahey

Mr Gillespie claimed his problems began after being told the company was looking for younger people and believed the company saw the age of its staff was a problem.

The former sales manager alleged he was told he would lose certain accounts when a vacant position was was filled.

He argued this placed him in a position where he was facing a reduction in workload, leaving him more vulnerable to redundancy.

Mr Gillespie said he was later informed his position was at risk of redundancy, the sole one in the company. During discussions, he claimed management talked about “new blood” and raised concerns about the age profile.

He was made redundant shortly after he was informed his job was at risk. It was a redundancy pool of one.

Mr Gillespie said: “I worked for Irwins for over 30 years. I enjoyed my job, I was a dedicated, hardworking and loyal employee, with lots of experience.

Seamus Gillespie, a 60-year-old, sales manager has settled his age discrimination case against his former employer WD Irwin and Sons Ltd for £75,000. The case was supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland and was settled without admission of liability by the company.
The Equality Commission supported Seamus Gillespie, pictured at his home near Belcoo. Picture By: Arthur Allison: PacemakerPress.

“But it was very clear to me, following discussions with management, that my career with the company was over.

“I firmly believed the decision to make me redundant was based solely on my age. I had no choice but to challenge how I was treated. I’m glad my case is now settled, although I would rather that none of this had happened in the first place.”

WD Irwin & Sons settled age discrimination case without admitting liability
WD Irwin & Sons settled age discrimination case without admitting liability

In its statement, WD Irwin & Sons Ltd said the company had a “strong commitment to the principle of equality”. It will also liaise with the commission to review policies, practices and procedures, a move welcomed by Mr Gillespie.

“WD Irwin & Sons has always prided itself on its commitment to diversity in the workplace,” a spokesperson said.