Connells Loses Age Discrimination Case Against Former CEO
An employment tribunal ruled that Connells, Britain's largest estate agency owned by Skipton Building Society, unfairly dismissed its former chief executive David Livesey in 2023 due to age discrimination. Livesey had worked at the company for 33 years and was removed from his role before retirement plans were complete. The tribunal found that executives attempted to reframe his planned departure as a resignation under contract terms, calling it 'disingenuous.' Livesey received only 46p on shares he invested £420,000 into, while a younger colleague in a similar position was paid £1.6 million through the company's long-term share scheme. The tribunal rejected bullying claims but confirmed that his age influenced how he was treated and noted internal communications suggesting bias. Skipton expressed disappointment with the ruling and denied wrongdoing beyond dismissal allegations. A compensation hearing is scheduled for October.