NHS did not treat Christian worker unfairly, says tribunal

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The interior of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the HQ of Christianity
The interior of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the HQ of the Roman Catholic church

An employment tribunal has ruled that an NHS trust did not act unfairly when dealing with a Christian health worker who was disciplined for promoting her religious beliefs at work.

The woman involved considers herself to be a ‘born-again Christian’, and claimed at the tribunal that she faced discrimination because of her religion.

The person involved, who has been named as Ms Wasteney, faced disciplinary proceedings after she was accused of attempting to convert a Muslim colleague to Christianity.

It was alleged at the tribunal that Ms Wasteney prayed for her colleague and proceeded to lend her a book which detailed the transition of a Muslim woman who converting to Christianity.

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Ms Wasteney was issued with a final written warning and this was reduced on appeal to a first written warning.

Ms Wasteney claimed direct and indirect religious discrimination and religious harassment in the employment tribunal.

She also relied on article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which provides the right to “freedom of thought, conscience and religion” and freedom to manifest religious beliefs.

Robert joined the HRreview editorial team in October 2015. After graduating from the University of Salford in 2009 with a BA in Politics, Robert has spent several years working in print and online journalism in Manchester and London. In the past he has been part of editorial teams at Flux Magazine, Mondo*Arc Magazine and The Marine Professional.

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