Richard Blackwood’s mother: I was treated like a skivvy at Hilton

Juliette Giscombe, 57, claims that managers treated her like a "skivvy" and "bullied and patronised" her at the flagship Park Lane hotel.

Hilton strenuously denies Mrs Giscombe's allegations and is vigorously defending her tribunal claim.

The telephonist claims managers repeatedly overlooked her in favour of younger, less experienced white workers she had trained. She alleges that her bosses did not consider her "worth investing in", adding: "They did invest in staff, providing they were white."

Mrs Giscombe said: "They could not conceive of a black person doing anything other than a menial role."

She claims that her poor treatment by Hilton managers made her so ill that she had to quit her job last October. Mrs Giscombe is suing Hilton International Hotels for race and age discrimination and constructive dismissal.

The Jamaican-born mother-of-two from Streatham is seeking £60,000 for loss of earnings and injury to feelings. Mrs Giscombe broke down in tears as she launched her claim at Central London Employment Tribunal. In legal papers she tells how she took a pay cut to join Hilton in 1999 for a salary of £10,700. By mid-2002, she says she grew concerned that her career had not advanced. She says: "I remained in the same position as I had been when I first started whilst other staff, most of whom I had trained and were white, moved on into better positions."

A Hilton spokesman said: "Hilton is dedicated to being an equal opportunities employer and we place a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. A career with Hilton offers many opportunities for all races and genders."

The case was adjourned until November, when Mrs Giscombe is due to give evidence.