A 50-year-old IT worker at IBM UK, Ian Clifford, has taken his employer to court for not providing him with a salary increase over the past 15 years. Despite being on sick leave since 2008, Clifford claims that the company’s failure to review his pay has left him struggling financially.
Clifford was diagnosed with stage four leukemia in 2012 and has been medically retired since 2013. Under the company’s health plan, he was guaranteed to receive £54,000 per year until the age of 65. However, with inflation on the rise, Clifford argues that the amount is no longer sufficient.
An employment tribunal in Reading, Berkshire, dismissed Clifford’s claim, stating that he had received a “very substantial benefit” and “favorable treatment” from the company, totaling over £1.5 million since he left his job. However, Clifford maintains that it’s not greedy to ask for a pay raise, given the economic situation in the country.
Clifford’s primary concern is ensuring financial security for his son, who is set to start university. With his own mortality in question due to his ongoing health issues, Clifford wants to ensure that his family is taken care of. He emphasized that his salary affects not only his debt service and pension but also his ability to provide for his loved ones.
The case highlights the complexities of employee benefits and the need for companies to review and adjust their policies to reflect changing economic circumstances. As Clifford’s situation demonstrates, even the most well-intentioned benefits can become outdated and inadequate over time.
