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A former underwriter at Swiss Re, who experienced inappropriate comments from her senior manager regarding her body and personal life, has been awarded £1.3 million by a UK employment tribunal. This payout is one of the largest settlements for sexual discrimination in the City. It highlights the ongoing issue of sexual harassment in London’s specialist insurance sector, which has long struggled with a reputation for chauvinistic behavior in a male-dominated market.
Julia Sommer, an ex-political risk underwriter for the Zurich-based insurance and reinsurance group, filed complaints for sex discrimination, maternity-related discrimination, and sex-related harassment. Last year, the tribunal partially upheld her claims, ruling in her favor.
The tribunal found evidence that Robert Llewellyn, the former global head of Swiss Re’s political risk and trade credit team, had made inappropriate comments to Sommer. He allegedly said, “I bet you like to be on top in bed” and “If I had breasts like yours, I would be demanding too.” Llewellyn denied making these remarks, but also accused Sommer of derogatory comments about her relationship and seeking an open marriage.
Sommer’s husband, who represented her at the tribunal, dismissed these allegations as false and inflammatory. According to tribunal filings, the couple was trying to start a family at the time. The tribunal concluded that Llewellyn had exaggerated Sommer’s statement about having an open personality as an attempt to denigrate her and undermine her evidence.
The tribunal also determined that when Sommer was told to “shut up” and take a “more submissive role,” it was based on Llewellyn’s perception of how a junior female underwriter should behave. The tribunal stated that a male underwriter would not have received the same treatment. However, the claims of victimization and unequal pay were dismissed.
Swiss Re acknowledged the judgment and stated that they have carefully considered it. Llewellyn, who has since left the company, could not be reached for comment. Sommer declined to comment.
In a separate case last year, a former BNP Paribas employee won £2 million after a court found that the bank had unfairly discriminated against her due to her gender. The employee claimed that she found a witch’s hat on her desk following a night of heavy drinking.
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