A medical receptionist who was asked to leave her part-time post when her employers discovered she was over 65, has settled her age discrimination claim against a doctor’s surgery out of court.

Ruth McNeil, 66, who had left a permanent job to take up the role, was sacked after just a week into her receptionist job at a GP’s practice in Edinburgh. 

Ms McNeil has been trying to get another job but she said it was hard in the current economic climate.  She was supported by the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland and the three day case was due to be held but the practice settled out of court beforehand. She is reported to have received £6,000 in compensation.

Talking about what had happened, Ms McNeil said: “I was doing the training and they took me aside and told me I was too old for the job, I just could not believe it. “I was in a terrible state as it was going through my mind how I was going to pay my bills, as the state pension is not enough to live on in these modern times.

“I had given up a secure job with Marks and Spencers, which lets you work for as long as you are capable to do the job, because this job was nearer my home, it even paid about the same.

“I did the interview and got the job over other people but they never asked me my age at the time. “I feel I got the job fairly and what they have done is just so unfair, my friends just can’t believe it.”

Muriel Robison, head of legal enforcement at the Equality and Human Rights Commission Scotland, said: “Sadly, despite legislation aimed at tackling age discrimination, people can still be treated unfairly at work because of their age.

“Ruth McNeil may be over 65 but has many skills of great value to employers. The EHRC believe that people with skills and ability who are able to work and who want to work should be allowed to do so.

“We hope that by supporting this case we are able to highlight to prospective employers that through the appointment process and in the workplace itself people should be treated fairly regardless of their age.”