Australian-born Vanessa Brennan, 32, of Chelsea, west London, is reported to have settled her claim for loss of earnings, stock options and injury to feelings against her former employer American Express in an out-of-court agreement. Her original claim sought for a settlement of some £1 million.

Earlier this year Mrs. Brennan told an employment tribunal in Croydon, south London, that the department she worked in had a “macho” atmosphere and that she was told by line manager Michael Rutter to hide her pregnancy.

Yesterday Mrs. Brennan said: “I am relieved to have brought closure to one part of this. I am bound by a confidentiality agreement not to disclose any more information, but I can say I am happy and relieved that this part of my life is over.”