Racial and sexual orientation discrimination case win

Det Con Kevin Maxwell, a gay black police officer aged 33, and with ten years service, has successfully brought a claim of racial and sexual orientation discrimination against his employer, Scotland Yard.

Mr Maxwell told the tribunal how he was targeted while working in the counter terrorism command at Heathrow Airport before July 2009. The tribunal heard that he received racist and homophobic comments from fellow officers and seniors while at work and during training. He took sick leave from his work as a result of depression which he said was caused by the offensive working environment. The tribunal found in favour of Mr Maxwell on 9 accounts, agreeing that he had been subjected to direct discrimination, harassment and victimisation.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said they were "disappointed" with the tribunal's findings, and said they would carefully consider the 113 page tribunal decision, which they emphasised involved 100 allegations to the employment tribunal, of which only 9 were upheld.

If you are an employer or employee in Northern Ireland requiring legal advice in respect of a claim of discrimination, or on another matter of employment law, contact Wilson Nesbitt in Belfast by calling 0800 840 9296.

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