Network Rail worker wins racial harassment case

A Network Rail worker was racially harassed by colleagues who placed an anti-Islam leaflet and a false stabbing accusation in his locker, an employment tribunal found.

Parmjit Bassi, who was based at the Eastleigh depot in Hampshire, was treated as part of a perceived "other", despite not being Muslim, the Southampton tribunal ruled.

It also found that Network Rail took a "laissez-faire" approach, failing to intervene as the situation escalated.

Bassi, who was later moved to another team and dismissed in 2021, also succeeded in a claim for unfair dismissal. Network Rail has been approached for comment.

The tribunal heard that in November 2018 Bassi found a leaflet linked to the English Defence League (EDL) placed in his work boots, which questioned what people were doing to "protect their children from Islam".

The panel said the act carried a "clear racial message" and formed part of an "ongoing campaign" against him.

The tribunal heard management were made aware of the incident, but no action was taken.

In January 2019, two copies of a newspaper report about a stabbing were left in the workplace - including one in Bassi's boot - with an added handwritten note stating "It was Parm".

The tribunal said Bassi had been "lumped in together" with a group perceived as a "dangerous 'other'", and that the fact he was not Muslim "made no difference". It was also critical of Network Rail's response, saying management failed to take appropriate action.

Bassi later took leave and was moved to another team without his input, before being dismissed in 2021. His claims for racial harassment and unfair dismissal were upheld, with compensation to be decided at a later date.