Female prison officer bullied for being ‘too sexy’

Amitjo Kajla says she felt forced to resign

A female prison officer has claimed she was forced out of her job for being too sexy. With her allegedly revealing outfits and heavy make-up, Amitjo Kajla was popular with young inmates. But she said she was bullied and harassed by senior staff about her appearance to the point she felt forced to resign. She is now claiming compensation from the Government.

Miss Kajla, 22, wowed inmates at Brinsford prison, a young offenders institute in Wolverhampton, West Mids, with her allegedly ‘provocative’ look. Her uniform, specially altered to fit her size 4 frame, was said to be more revealing than standard issue clothing.

Miss Kajla said she was called a ‘stupid little girl’ by a senior colleague for putting her security at risk. She said she was also warned she risked being dragged into a cell by inmates.

She claimed that other staff laughed at her for carrying a handbag and she was reprimanded for being too familiar with inmates by regularly waving at them. Critical remarks were often made in front of inmates and other staff, she told the tribunal, making her feel harassed and humiliated.

She said: ‘I couldn't sleep at night because of the bullying and harassment. I lost weight and decided I couldn't take it any longer and resigned.’

Adam Farrer, for the prison service, told the hearing that going to work ‘glammed up’ was not appropriate and that she was seen by inmates as a ‘soft touch’. Responding to criticism of her informality with inmates, she said: ‘I was always friendly but never a friend.’

Miss Kajla is claiming compensation for constructive unfair dismissal against the Secretary of State for Justice. The tribunal, in Birmingham, continues.

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