In a landmark decision, two young employees have won significant compensation after facing age-related harassment at the hands of their superior. Soraya Qarouane, a trainee sales worker, was awarded £13,767, while her colleague Ryan Marugah received £11,340 following their ordeal at HAIX, a company specialising in AI and tech solutions. Their case sheds light on the treatment of younger workers in the workplace, particularly in demanding sectors like technology.
The Incident and the Tribunal
The employment tribunal revealed troubling details about the working environment at HAIX. Both Qarouane and Marugah joined the company after seeing a job advertisement on LinkedIn that promised competitive salaries and commissions. They were initially told that achieving £15,000 in sales during a six-week trial period would secure them full-time roles. However, this target was later changed to a monthly expectation, coupled with a stark reduction in their anticipated pay.
As the weeks progressed, both employees realised that the AI technology they were attempting to sell required extensive negotiation, leading to little success in closing deals. When Qarouane raised concerns over her workload and the lack of sales, she was met with hostility. During a particularly tense exchange on January 24, 2024, her superior, Leo Aghili, shouted at her to “shut up” and reminded her of his position as her “superior.” This incident led to her dismissal through a WhatsApp message later that day.
Age-Related Comments and Their Consequences
Marugah faced similar challenges. After confronting Aghili about unpaid wages, he was belittled with a comment suggesting that someone of his age wouldn’t understand corporate law. In the wake of this humiliation, Marugah found himself locked out of company systems and subsequently terminated via text message.
The tribunal highlighted the dismissive attitudes displayed by Aghili, particularly towards younger employees. Employment Judge Anna Beale KC recognised that while Qarouane’s experience did not explicitly relate to her age, the derogatory manner in which Aghili referred to his authority indicated a broader culture of age-related discrimination. The tribunal concluded that Aghili’s language and tone were indicative of a workplace where younger employees were perceived as less experienced and more easily manipulated.
The Ruling and Implications for HAIX
Both workers took their grievances to the tribunal in Croydon, claiming age harassment and unpaid wages. The tribunal found substantial evidence of mistreatment, ruling in favour of both Qarouane and Marugah. The judge stated, “The comment to [Mr Marugah] was explicitly related to his age,” confirming that their treatment was not only unjust but also indicative of a systemic issue within the company.
HAIX has since gone out of business and has been ordered to pay the awarded sums to both claimants. The case has set a precedent for how younger workers should be treated in the workplace and highlights the importance of creating a respectful environment free from age-related harassment.
Why it Matters
The outcome of this tribunal case is significant, not just for the individuals involved but for young workers across various industries. It underscores the necessity for companies to foster an inclusive and respectful workplace, regardless of age. As businesses increasingly rely on younger talent in fast-evolving fields like technology, this ruling serves as a reminder that all employees deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. The implications extend beyond just compensation; they call for a cultural shift in how organisations perceive and engage with their younger workforce.
