Oxford professor who was forced to quit at the age of 69 could be in line for a payout of up to £150,000 after winning ageism battle
- Oxford physics professor Paul Ewart was forced to quit role at the age of 69
- The don, now 71, was pushed out in 2017 after part-time request was rejected
- He could be entitled to up to £150,000 in back pay after an employment tribunal
Professor Paul Ewart has won an ageism battle with Oxford University after it forced him to quit at the age of 69
A psychics professor has won an ageism battle with Oxford University after it forced him to quit at the age of 69.
Professor Paul Ewart, who specialised in atomic and laser physics, said his research was only just ‘blossoming’ when he was pushed out in late 2017 after an application for a three-year extension to work part-time was rejected.
The 71-year-old don could now be entitled to up to £150,000 in back pay after an employment tribunal.
The default retirement age of 65 was axed in 2011 but Oxford’s Employer Justified Retirement Age policy, which forces older academics out before they turn 69, has been criticised as unfair.
The university said it was considering an appeal.
Professor Ewart, who spent 38 years at Oxford, said: ‘It is not right that academics are being prevented from doing their work on the basis of their age.’
The 71-year-old don could now be entitled to up to £150,000 in back pay after an employment tribunal. One of Oxford University’s buildings is pictured above