Victoria Wheatley and
Rachael Giles, described as “petite in stature with small hands” could not
reach the triggers of their Glock 17 pistols
Two female gun cops have won a sex discrimination claim because weapons
were too big for their hands.
Victoria Wheatley and Rachael Giles, described as “petite in stature with
small hands” could not reach the triggers of their Glock 17 pistols and their
trainers failed to adjust them during test shoots.
Both officers, in their 30s, are part of the armed Civil Nuclear
Constabulary and they protect power stations at Sellafield in Cumbria and
Chapelcross in Scotland.
Their lawyer Binder Bansel said the pair were at a disadvantage in gun
tests “which could lead to the officer being dismissed”. They had also
regularly protested about too-large helmets and kneepads.
A tribunal found the CNC guilty of indirect sex discrimination but
dismissed claims of victimisation.
They are both set to receive a payout of £35,000 each, but it is expected
there will be an appeal.
Civil Nuclear Police Federation chief Nigel Dennis said he hoped the force
would now act to make sure all of its officers get a fair opportunity.
Mr Bansel said the duo may get compensation for loss of overtime but the
case was to end unfairness.
He said: "Since 1997, every officer joining at the rank of Constable
or Sergeant is required to train to recognised standards as an AFO and maintain
the standard. There is a cycle of annual training shoots, with usually two
development training days in a year and a further two development days, which conclude
with a Qualification Shoot.
"Continued failure at these shoot days results in an unsatisfactory
assessment, which could lead to the officer being dismissed. The Constabulary
failed to take the necessary steps to prevent female officers being disadvantaged."
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