John McCririck seeks £3m from Channel 4 over ageism
Former racing pundit John McCririck is set to seek damages worth £3m from Channel 4, over claims his contract was stopped because of his age.
In a statement, the ex-presenter said: "Channel 4 and production company IMG Sports Media were yesterday each served a letter before action for age discrimination.
"After 29 years with Channel 4 Racing, on a rolling annual contract, I have been sacked without any consultation or cogent explanation. I am 72.
"For loss of future earnings, unfair career damaging, public humiliation, stress and mental anguish, I will be seeking £500,000.
"Ageism is illegal. For tens of thousands of employees it has become the feared scourge of our society.
"This litigation should prove to be a watershed. There's no upper limit to the amount of damages employment tribunals can award under the Equality Act 2010.
"I am seeking a further exemplary, punitive £2.5m, part of which will be donated to charitable organisations helping to prevent negative prejudice in the workplace."
According to Sky News, McCririck is set to be represented by employment and sports law specialist solicitor Stephen Beverley, of the London West End Cavendish Legal Group, on a no-win no-fee basis.