Sacked worker wins race bias case

From the archive, first published Friday 23rd Mar 2007.

A 55-year-old man has won a race discrimination case against Bradford catalogue company Grattan after working for the company for 30 years.

Mohammed Kayat, of Manningham, Bradford, took the home shopping giant to an employment tribunal after he was sacked in March 2004.

The Leeds hearing found that the warehouse operative, who suffers from health problems, was unfairly dismissed and suffered racial discrimination.

Grattan says it will appeal vigorously against the decision.

During the hearing, Khadija Hafezjee, representing Mr Kayat, said he had worked for the company for 30 years.

While he was on a Hajj pilgrimage in February 2003 it was decided to withdraw his exemption from flexible working.

Mr Kayat was told to attend an appointment with the company's occupational health doctor on March 18, 2003.

His entitlement to company sick pay was withdrawn two weeks later.

Miss Hafezjee told the Telegraph & Argus Mr Kayat was a hardworking, committed and loyal employee of nearly 30 years, with a clean disciplinary record.

When his exemption from flexible working was withdrawn in his absence, he was unable to work these required hours and went off sick.

Miss Hafezjee said Mr Kayat was told to see the doctor after he was off for five working days.

Grattan, which was represented at the tribunal by John Cavanagh QC, is part of the Otto UK empire and one of the largest employers in Bradford.

Otto UK told the T&A: "We are extremely surprised and disappointed with the judgement and will be appealing against it most vigorously.

"We have no further comment at this time."

Other complaints against Grattan by Mr Kayat were dismissed by the tribunal.

A remedy hearing is to be fixed to deal with the consequences of the judgement.