Ulster loses appeal against sexual bias

Ulster University has lost an appeal against a Pounds 32,000 compensation award it was ordered to pay last year for unlawful sex discrimination. The Court of Appeal has upheld in full the award that an industrial tribunal made to Jennifer Fryers following her five-year legal battle. Ms Fryers was not shortlisted for the university's post of director of human resources.

Petra Sheils, deputy legal director at the Equal Opportunities Commission for Northern Ireland, which supported Ms Fryers' case, said: "The case demonstrates how important it is that employers have proper procedures for recruiting staff and are rigorous in the way they carry out those procedures." Ms Fryers said she was relieved the ordeal was over and had always felt she should have the opportunity to compete for the job. A university spokesman said: "This matter is closed."