In July 2021, the Central London Employment Tribunal found that ex-Hartlepool Labour MP Mike Hill had repeatedly sexually assaulted, harassed and victimised a Female Worker (Ms A). Mr Hill was found to have sexually assaulted Ms A over a 16-month period, despite her rejection of his sexual advances. The assault involved getting into bed with Ms A, rubbing his groin against her and attempting to touch her breasts.
The Employment Tribunal also heard that Mr Hill had told Ms A that he loved her and begged her to work for him. When she rejected his unwanted advances, Mr Hill deactivated her security pass, did not give her a promised pay rise, ignored her work-related texts and emails, and terminated her employment whilst stating that he would give notice on a flat that they shared.
Ms A said that the process left her homeless, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, and limited career prospects. She has also said that she was only able to fund the claim by pro bono assistance and a crowdfunding page. Meanwhile, Mr Hill has received several months of pay, his pension and £250,000 towards his legal fees.
Ms A’s lawyer is concerned that nearly all of the £250,000 insurance policy that the House of Commons has put in place has been used on Mr Hill’s legal fees and that there is almost nothing left to cover Ms A’s legal fees or the compensation owed to her. As a result, she intends to enforce the order of £434,000 against Mr Hill’s assets and has said that she will sue the House of Commons if Mr Hill is not able to pay, as a result of them failing to put in place a sufficiently protective policy.
What does this mean?
This is the first public compensation payment ordered against an MP for sexual assault and the judgement is expected to encourage other victims within Parliament to take action through the Civil Courts, rather than through the Parliamentary process. Ms A said:
“it is important that the many women who have been sexually harassed and assaulted by MPs know that there is another way of seeking justice and compensation for their losses”.
Despite Ms A struggling both mentally and financially as a result of bringing the claim, she has encouraged victims to seek justice through the Courts rather than the Parliamentary process so that they can receive financial compensation and go through a more open and transparent process.
How can we help?
Kate Frisby is a Trainee Solicitor at Nelsons.
For advice on or further information in relation to the subjects discussed in this article, please contact Kate or a member of our expert Employment Law team in Derby, Leicester, or Nottingham on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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