My sexist boss at work treats my female colleagues particularly badly

DEAR DEIDRE: I LOVE my job, but it’s starting to dawn on me that it might not be the same for the women at our company. While the men can get away with anything, the women are punished for the slightest things. For example, last week, a male colleague left 15 minutes early so he […]

DEAR DEIDRE: I LOVE my job, but it’s starting to dawn on me that it might not be the same for the women at our company.

While the men can get away with anything, the women are punished for the slightest things.

For example, last week, a male colleague left 15 minutes early so he could meet a mate in the pub before the football started.

But when a female colleague asked to leave 15 minutes early so she could take her son to rugby training, our boss told her to get her “priorities straight”.

It’s also come to light that another woman is being paid less than me, even though we do the same job.

She hasn’t had a pay rise during her three years at the company.

I want to do something to help, but I’m worried my boss will turn on me if I bring it up. I’m a 52-year-old man.

DEIDRE SAYS: You’re right to be concerned. It sounds as though there is sex discrimination at your work, which is illegal.

Encourage your female colleagues to speak to HR. Knowing you support them may give them the push they need.

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But also recommend they speak to Acas (acas.org.uk, 0300 123 1100), for independent advice on work issues.