As you will
have probably seen in the press, John McCririck has lost his age discrimination
claim against Channel 4 and IMG Media Ltd (“IMG”).
During the
hearing, the Employment Judges viewed extracts from ‘Celebrity Big Brother’,
‘Ultimate Big Brother’ and ‘Celebrity Wife Swap’ and concluded unanimously that
Mr McCririck was not subjected to direct discrimination on the grounds of his
age. Mr McCririck who considered his TV appearances to be ‘pantomime’ was well
known for his sexist views and male chauvinism with the tribunal’s judgment
specifically noting that he comes across “overbearing and sexist”.
The Tribunal
found that Channel 4’s decision to dismiss Mr McCririck was part of its overall
aim of bringing horse racing to a wider audience.
The Tribunal was satisfied that this was a legitimate aim which was
proportionately achieved by dismissing Mr McCririck. It concluded therefore
that Mr McCririck was dismissed for a reason wholly unconnected with his age.
Mr McCririck
commented after the hearing that “my failed legal action ensures that anonymous
suits and skirts, who control the media, numerous other businesses and the
public sector, will now enjoy complete freedom to replace older employees
whatever their unimpaired ability and merit”.
Kayleigh Leonie
