HR Executive Sues Andorran Retail Group for Depression After Abrupt Demotion

A female HR executive with over two decades at a major Andorran retail group has taken the company to Batllia court, claiming her abrupt removal from departmental leadership in November 2024 triggered severe depression and anxiety that persists today, forcing her onto sick leave.

The proceedings, now concluded after witness testimonies, hinge on whether her role—taken on at the end of 2023 following the dismissal of the previous head—was a formal directorship or temporary duties amid internal restructuring. The group insists it was interim, tied to financial pressures that included asking executives to waive productivity bonuses for two years. Her legal team argues it constituted a substantive position, backed by specific training since 2019, a development plan from her long-serving mentor, and perks like a company-leased vehicle and salary supplements typically reserved for directors.

This was not her first stint: in 2021, she handled similar responsibilities beyond her contract for months before reverting. After the 24-year HR veteran retired in January 2020 at age 71, she became the department's top figure. A later appointee reportedly sidelined her, and upon that person's exit in November 2023, another staffer was promoted instead. The November 2024 change came via written notice alone, with no prior warning of its temporary status—unlike past cases where such roles were explicitly flagged as short-term, per company witnesses.

Medical evidence links her condition directly to workplace stress. Her family doctor, who issued the December 2024 sick note, noted signs of "bullying" despite no direct complaint from her. A psychiatrist assessed her three days later, and CASS services later confirmed the psychiatric distress, extending her leave now into its first year.

Testimonies spanned current and former executives, including the finance director quizzed on director perks like vehicle leasing, operations heads, and her mentor who confirmed the succession preparations. Her partner, a manager with over 20 years at the firm, was dismissed shortly after she filed suit.

She seeks reinstatement as HR director, formal recognition of her status, back benefits, and damages—even if deemed temporary, her lawyer contends labour law requires retaining such perks once exercised. The company maintains all actions aligned with internal policy during its crisis.

Both sides now have 13 days to submit written conclusions before the Batllia issues its ruling. The group has made no public comment.