John McCririck loses age discrimination case
Racing pundit John McCririck loses his age discrimination employment tribunal case against Channel 4. The 73-year-old has argued that he was sacked because of his age.
Mr McCririck said he was dumped from his high-profile role on Channel 4 Racing by “anonymous suits and skirts” as part of a drive to hire younger faces.
But a Central London Employment Tribunal panel ruled against him, Mr McCririck told the Press Association.
My failed legal action ensures that anonymous suits and skirts will now enjoy complete freedom to replace older employees – John McCririck
Mr McCririck said: “This is an historic setback for all employees in their 30s to their 70s.
“After such a landmark judicial verdict, my failed legal action ensures that anonymous suits and skirts, who control the media, numerous other businesses and the public sector, will now enjoy complete freedom to replace older employees whatever their unimpaired ability and merit.
Read more: John McCririck to sue Channel 4 over axing
“I have let them all down along with my wife, the Booby, my legal team, friends, colleagues and countless members of the public who supported me throughout. My grateful thanks and apologies to every one of them.”
The pundit, famed for his deerstalker, tic-tac gestures and gold jewellery, took his former employer and TV production company IMG Media Limited to the tribunal last year. Both firms denied discrimination in the £3m case.
Mr McCririck added: “With my legal team we are now out of contact while studying the judgment in detail. It is on the Central London Employment Tribunal website.”