Ex-Microsoft manager says illness linked to dismissal

A former senior manager with Microsoft Ireland, who claims she was constructively dismissed by the company, suffered from a "recognised psychiatric condition" and was "very incapacitated" by it, a psychiatrist has told the High Court.

Breda Pickering (43) has taken proceedings against Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited arising from the termination of her employment four years ago. She is claiming damages for alleged negligence, breach of contract and failure to get her redundancy entitlements and stock options. The defence denies her claims.

Prof Patricia Casey, head of the department of adult psychiatry at UCD, told the court yesterday the event which triggered Ms Pickering's "overwhelming symptoms" occurred on her way to Ashford Castle to celebrate her birthday on Friday, January 26th, 2001.

Prof Casey told Hugh Mohan, senior counsel for Ms Pickering, his client, received a phone call to say she would not be offered a RIF (reduction in force) package, a severance deal which traditionally also provided an option for Microsoft employees to relocate within the company.

Ms Pickering felt "a sudden surge of panic" which called into question her understanding of her role within the company and caused her to wonder where her future lay. Prof Casey said Ms Pickering developed depression anxiety, "a recognised psychiatric condition".

Ms Pickering was treated with anti-depressants and received cognitive therapy.

Her condition had "occurred quite suddenly" and Ms Pickering suffered from chest pains and panic attacks. She was pre-occupied with thoughts of death and was not able to go shopping or decide what to wear.

"She was very incapacitated by it," said Prof Casey.

The psychiatrist told the court Ms Pickering had deferred a decision to take a new position in Microsoft in 2000, which she later learned had been filled by someone more junior to her. Prof Casey said Ms Pickering was "upset and distressed that she was being undermined".

Ms Pickering was responsible for 400 employees in Microsoft but had no real authority, and this was "effectively a bereavement". She was effectively sidelined.

Prof Casey said Ms Pickering is at present very well but has mild feelings of anxiety. She was "95 per cent recovered" and "ready to move on" with her life.

The main problem for Ms Pickering was that, "after having one episode of depression", she was "more prone to further episodes in the future".

The hearing continues today before Mr Justice Esmond Smyth.