https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9134093/IBM-manager-victimised-four-female-bosses-wins-20-000-plus-payout.html
The pertinent part of this sorry tale is:
"Over the following month Ms Davidsen again raised concerns, describing a 'climate of fear' to another manager, Ms Bryant, and voiced her worries to HR advisor, Philip Johnson.
The tribunal heard that in July, after hearing about her claims, Ms Czekalowska, a director, approached HR for advice dealing with an 'underperforming' employee, later acknowledged to be Ms Davidsen.
And the same month Mrs Davidsen was left shocked when team manager Sandra Oliveira told her that her level of performance in the job was disappointing and suggested there was no longer a role for her on the team."
Which demonstrates just how easily abused the performance management system at IBM is. I think may of us recognise this underhand process which has been used extensively to remove older employees.