Facts
- Von Colson, a female German national, was refused employment at a prison on the basis of her gender, contrary to the Equal Treatment Directive
- The employer was prepared to offer compensation only for travel costs in attending the interview
Issue
- Could substantial compensation be awarded?
Decision
- Yes
Reasoning
- It is a national court’s duty to interpret national law in accordance with EU law
- Von Colson should be offered a substantial remedy
- This interpretative duty may give rise to directives being (almost) horizontally effective
