Female firearms officers win sex discrimination case as guns were 'too big'

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary was found guilty of indirect discrimination but dismissed claims of victimisation.

15:50 18 February 2014

Two female firearms police staff, Victoria Wheatley and Rachael Giles, sued the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) for sex discrimination as they were given guns that were too big for them to handle.

The duo, who are both in their 30s, were at a disadvantage in gun tests, where continued failure can result in unsatisfactory assessment.

The CNC was found guilty of indirect discrimination but dismissed claims of victimisation.

The duo’s lawyer Binder Bansel said: "Since 1997, every officer joining at the rank of Constable or Sergeant is required to train to recognised standards as an AFO and maintain the standard. There is a cycle of annual training shoots, with usually two development training days in a year and a further two development days, which conclude with a Qualification Shoot.

"Continued failure at these shoot days results in an unsatisfactory assessment, which could lead to the officer being dismissed. The Constabulary failed to take the necessary steps to prevent female officers being disadvantaged."

The two female cops are set to receive £35,000 each.

Following the ruling, Civil Nuclear Police Federation chief Nigel Dennis said he hoped the force would now act to make sure all of its officers get a fair shot.