A HIGHLY-QUALIFIED woman who was sexually discriminated against by a council is awaiting a final figure on her settlement.

A remedies hearing was started yesterday at an employment tribunal hearing, in Newcastle, into the case of Barbara Miller, 50, of Witton-le-Wear, County Durham.

The problem came to light in November 2001 when a "laddish culture" led to Ms Miller being passed over for promotion in the social services department of Durham County Council in favour of an unqualified man.

She took the authority to a tribunal, held over five days in March, which found wholesale breaches of procedure led to contempt for equal opportunities.

The tribunal concluded the rules had been changed to allow the selection of the chosen candidate when there was "no doubt Ms Miller was the most academically qualified for the post".

In his findings, tribunal chairman Peter Rennie said the job interview and selection had been manipulated by a senior manager, who deliberately misled personnel, so his preferred candidate could apply.

Yesterday's hearing was told Ms Miller, who has since taken up employment elsewhere, had applied for a post which carries a higher salary - which could have a bearing on the final settlement.

Judgment will be reserved.