Pay-out for ex-postal worker over race discrimination

A former postal worker has been awarded undisclosed compensation after an employment tribunal ruled he had faced discrimination.

Abdul Musa was supported by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in his claim of victimisation after he complained of racist behaviour among colleagues at a Royal Mail depot in Blackburn.

The case goes back to 2006, when Mr Musa made complaints of race discrimination, which led to another worker being sacked, after which he claimed he was "sent to Coventry" by other employees.

An internal investigation was held into Mr Musa's complaints, leading to disciplinary cases being taken against a number of other workers.

Mr Musa was dismissed in 2007 after being seen by Royal Mail as a "problem", said the Tribunal.

The case was heard in Manchester earlier this year, with the settlement being announced today.

John Wadham, general counsel for the EHRC, said: "The Equality Act protects people from being victimised for making complaints about any form of discrimination in the workplace. It also says employers have a responsibility to take complaints seriously and to put a stop to discrimination.

"The fact that his colleagues were acting unlawfully was not enough to stop them from victimising Mr Musa. People facing discrimination also need an advocate, such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission, to make sure that the law is obeyed."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "There is no room in Royal Mail for racism or any other form of discrimination. We are committed to investigating any complaint of discrimination fairly and thoroughly."