Former Mazars partner seeks £1m at tribunal

A FORMER Mazars partner is alleged to be pursuing £1m for sex discrimination against the firm.

Fiona Hotston Moore, a former regional managing partner, lodged a claim at the employment tribunal earlier this year, as revealed by Accountancy Age, with a hearing likely to take place next year.

The Daily Telegraph today reports that Moore is pursuing £1m from the firm at the tribunal.

Hotston Moore claims she was demoted and overlooked for a promotion. She also alleges the firm asked her to resign this year.

Hotston Moore said in a statement she was “extremely disappointed” by events at Mazars.

She is the former managing partner of MRI Moores Rowland and negotiated the terms of the merger with Mazars before taking up her regional title. She is now a partner at Crowe Clark Whitehill.

A statement from Mazars said: “Fiona Hotston Moore has lodged a sex discrimination claim against Mazars LLP. The firm vigorously denies the allegations put forward, is very confident in its position, and remains proud of its steadfast commitment to diversity.”

Hotston Moore is also part of legal claim against the firm, with other Mazars former partners Robin Stevens and Stephen Bullock.

The trio is claiming £139,000 for allegedly withholding funds intended to cover their tax bills.

Hotston Moore, Robin Stevens and Stephen Bullock, are now partners at Crowe Clark Whitehill.

A joint statement from them, said they had reluctantly taken legal action because of the “important principle at stake” and that they had “exhausted” other avenues.

A statement from a Mazars issued in October said: “As a matter of policy, Mazars makes any payments due to former and existing partners promptly and properly.

“However, this matter relates to ongoing legal proceedings with these individuals and as such we are not prepared to comment any further at present.”