Sacking right-wing staff could lead to charges of racism

Companies that dismiss staff for being members of the British National Party (BNP) could face claims for racial discrimination following a ruling by the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).

Arthur Redfearn claimed racial discrimination under the Race Relations Act (1976) after being sacked by West Yorkshire Transport Services (WYTS) because he was standing for election to Bradford Council as a BNP candidate.

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WYTS claimed his views could upset customers and colleagues.

However, overturning the original employment tribunal ruling, the EAT said: “[There is] nothing in the wording of the Act which makes it clear that the words ‘on racial grounds’ cover only the race of the complainant.”