Tribunal finds gay carer was sacked because of sexuality
An employment tribunal has ruled in favour of a former care assistant who claims he was unfairly sacked from caring for the elderly because he is gay.
Sean Williams sought damages from the Woodhaven residential home where he worked caring for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
He claims that he was sacked after a years service without his employers carrying out a disciplinary or dismissal procedure.
Linda Tye, who was manager of the home at the time of the sacking told the tribunal that Marlene Obhrai who helped run the home turned against Mr Williams when she found out he was gay.
Mrs Obhrai denied the claim and argued that the home was not satisfied with Mr William’s work and that he had received a police caution for not paying a taxi fair.
Responding to his police caution, Mr Williams told the tribunal: “A caution is no reason to be dismissed. Another carer at the home was involved in an offence but no action was taken by the management against that person.”
Mr Williams was awarded £3,725 in total after the tribunal concluded he had been discriminated against because of his sexual orientation and also took into account personal injury.