The Just Group retail empire, home to fashion brands such as Just Jeans, Portmans and Dotti, is set to face court later this month over claims of sexual discrimination in the company.
The lawsuit, lodged by senior marketing manager Helen Allegos, came to a head earlier this month when Allegos alleged that she was demoted from her role as general manager of Just Group's fast fashion group while on maternity leave.
According to the claims, Allegos believes her position was downgraded while she was on leave in November last year, after Just Group CEO Mark McInnes appointed former David Jones executives Georgia Chewing as group general manager, internet and marketing, and Diana Young as general manager, advertising.
In her claim, Allegos also alleged that before going on leave she had responsibility for marketing the company's youth-focused chains Portmans, Dotti and Jay Jays, but said this was under-cut by the new hires made by McInnes late last year.
Just Group has yet to file a response to Allegos's Federal Court application, however, a first hearing of the case has been scheduled for July 23 in Melbourne.
McInnes took to the helm of Just Group after resigning as CEO of David Jones in 2010 amidst a sexual harassment case.