A 20-year-old woman in the UK has won compensation after being unfairly dismissed from her job at a recruitment agency for wearing trainers. This case highlights key issues around workplace fairness, the treatment of young employees, and whether they are given a clear understanding of workplace expectations.
The dispute: Fired over footwear
According to the reports presented by various online media sources, Elizabeth Benassi, who began working at Maximus UK Services at 18 in 2022, was dismissed after only three months for wearing trainers, which the company said violated its dress code. However, Benassi claimed she wasn’t the only employee wearing trainers and that others faced no consequences for doing so. She argued that the decision to dismiss her was unfair and that she had been unfairly singled out.

Allegations of age discrimination
Media reports suggest that Benassi believed her age played a role in the unfair treatment she received. As the youngest member of her team, she felt micromanaged and treated like a child by her manager. While the tribunal did not fully support her claims of age discrimination, it recognized that her age might have influenced how she was treated. Benassi’s experience sheds light on broader issues faced by young professionals, particularly when they are just starting their careers.
Tribunal ruling: Compensation for unfair treatment
As per media sources, the tribunal granted Benassi £29,187 in compensation, ruling her dismissal unjust. It determined that Maximus UK Services failed to adequately explain its dress code policies, which led to confusion. Judge Forwell acknowledged that Benassi’s limited time with the company likely meant she wasn’t fully aware of the rules. The judge also described the company’s reaction as overly severe, noting there was no clear proof that she had been sufficiently warned about the alleged violation before her termination.

Company’s defense
According to the reports, Maximus UK Services claimed Benassi’s dismissal was warranted due to her dress code violation. However, the tribunal found that the company could have approached the matter differently, emphasizing the importance of offering clearer instructions, especially to a new employee.
A bigger issue: How young workers are treated

This case has started discussions about how young workers are treated at work. It shows the need for companies to support younger employees who may not fully understand workplace rules yet. The ruling also raises concerns about whether young people are being given a fair chance to succeed or are unfairly punished for mistakes that better communication could have prevented.