Dismissal for use of a Racist Term

Dismissal for use of a Racist Term
We have recently been made aware of the Employment Tribunal case concerning Mann v NSL Ltd where an employee, in this case an ambulance worker, was dismissed for using a racist term at work.
Clearly, we all have a responsibility to be respectful at work and this case demonstrates very clinically the pitfalls if anyone decides to use foul and abusive language. Whilst this case does not represent case law it is still interesting to note how a Tribunal is likely to view such a case. 
The individual was dismissed after a colleague overheard the comment in question. Even though the comment was clearly not directed at the individual, this point in law is irrelevant. The individual’s defence that his comment was “local street talk”, and that he did not realise that anyone else was listening and finally the point that dismissal was a disproportionate sanction was all dismissed by the residing Judge.
More details on this case can be found by searching Mann v NSL Ltd on the internet.
Yours Sincerely,
 
Linda Roy
National Equality Officer
Email Attachments – Click to download
LTB 376/16 – Dismissal for use of a Racist Term