Skip to main content
Legal news

Leeds manager wins costs in age discrimination case

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

A former manager with Leeds hospitals has won her claim for legal costs in the latest employment tribunal hearing.

Linda Sturdy, who had worked in the breast screening clinic at Seacroft Hospital for 17 years, was told to reapply for her post following an internal reshuffle in 2006. She was overlooked for promotion and was eventually sacked after she refused to take a more junior role. She was later reinstated and then subsequently made redundant.

She won her claim against age discrimination at an original employment tribunal, being awarded £42,000 after the tribunal found that managers had behaved in a “high-handed, malicious, insulting and oppressive manner”. She was later awarded a further £147,000 to cover loss of income and pension, injury to feelings and aggravated damages.

Now she has won her latest claim for her legal costs against Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The precise amount will be determined in a county court but she alleges that it has cost her £150,000 to fight the case. In its judgement the tribunal panel said that by awarding costs to Mrs Sturdy it was reflecting the “unreasonableness” of the way the trust had acted which had led to her incurring “considerable additional costs”.

The hospitals trust has said it is considering the judgement.

More Winston Solicitors news

Client feedback

Winstons are brilliant, very responsive to messages, professional and patient. Fantastic customer service- face to face and email/telephone. Would 100% recommend!
Lucy
I recently contracted Winston Solicitors to support me in obtaining a grant of probate following the death of a parent. I worked closely with Emily and found her to be supportive, have great communication and be able to navigate the IHT and probate processes very efficiently.
John
Absolutely exceptional service from start to finish. I will definitely be recommending you to others. Michelle was fantastic and eased me through the whole process. I had so many questions as a first time buyer, Michelle answered them all and responded quickly every time. Very happy - August 2025
Kimberley W, Derbyshire
We are greatful for Sam's and her team work. We don't believe buying or selling a house could be made any easier. Thank you! - August 2025
Pawel S, Wakefield
Was recommended by my Financial Advisor and was pleasantly surprised everything was dealt with efficiently and everyone I spoke to were kind courteous and knowledgeable I would have no hesitation in using their services again. - August 2025
J Gilbertson, Pontefract
When Mum needed the system most that she had been paying into all her life she was failed by countless people and departments, assessments not completed, lost files, appointments not kept, delay after delay and on. I had a gut feeling that procedures weren't being followed and began my quest for the truth in her memory. I found James at 'Winston Solicitors' who helped us take on the system and prove that Mum was indeed entitled to CHC Funding. Throughout the case he was relentless in his pursuit to seek out the truth and hold those accountable who failed Mum. He gave us regular updates and discussed every step with us along the way, I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone who has found themselves in this dreadful position in traumatic times with their loved ones. - August 2025
A Ellis, Manchester
Sam and the team have been great in the sale and purchase of my house. Consistent communication and always on hand to answer any questions.
Ms S
We were really happy with Sidraa, she is polite, calm and professional and would definitely recommend her and Winston’s.
Chris
Contact Jonathan