Partners bullied by clients can bring discrimination claims

A case currently going through the Belfast employment tribunal exposes a common misconception: that partners cannot bring tribunal proceedings. The case involves a former senior partner in PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Colin Tenner, who alleges that he suffered work-related stress caused by bullying from a client. He was informed he was not protected by the firm’s anti-bullying policy because he was partner. This may turn out to be an expensive error on PwC’s part, as all partners, whether they are salaried, fixed share or junior equity partners, share discrimination rights with employees.