PRINCESS Diana’s family has won an age discrimination case brought by a former employee who said he was not allowed lunch or rest breaks.
Thomas James did nine-hour shifts at the Althorp Estate — the tragic royal’s childhood home — when not studying at university from 2019 to 2023.
He said that when he once did take a break, in his car, he was “chastised” by Diana’s brother Charles, Earl Spencer, for leaving his post.
Mr James, of Great Brington, Northants — now in his early 20s — sought damages for age discrimination and constructive unfair dismissal.
But the Norwich employment tribunal dismissed his case, saying that his allegation about the Earl had been “inconsistent” and that Mr James’s claims “did not stack up”.
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Judge Robin Postle said: “Mr James was perfectly able to arrange his shifts in 2022 via (his manager) Miss Cessford.
“Mr James was not a shrinking violet and was not backward in coming forward, and one assumed throughout June and July Mr James was working on the East Gate that he was taking his breaks.
“He knew previously that if there was a problem with his breaks, to contact Miss Cessford.
“He did not, in 2023, raise it until the last couple of days 12 and 13 August 2023 when his resignation came about.
“One cannot ignore also the fact that Mr James was clearly happy in his job on 23 July 2023, otherwise why would he be asking for a permanent job on the East Gate if he wasn’t getting his breaks?
“It lacks any credibility whatsoever.”
