Man takes employer to tribunal amid racial discrimination claims

Posted 03/05/2010

A man is planning on taking his case to an employment tribunal after alleging that his treatment in the workplace breached employment law relating to religious discrimination.

Rajpal Virdee, 50, was an equalities manager for social services at Birmingham City Council, but claims that he was frequently sidelined and victimised due to his religious beliefs.

In particular, he maintains that he was singled out by Dr Mashuq Ally as a result of being a practising Sikh.

Mr Virdee insists that it was this prejudice which led to his dismissal, although his former employers state that he was removed from his position due to gross misconduct.

The defendant is to appear at a tribunal accusing Dr Ally and the council of race, ethnic, age and disability discrimination.

All the allegations are to be denied by the organisation, but it is thought that another member of staff is to give evience to back up Mr Virdee’s case.

It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against staff based on their religious beliefs and anyone who feels they have been a victim of this should seek advice from an expert in employment law.