An Indian man working in London has been awarded £66,800 in compensation after a tribunal found that he was subjected to racial discrimination and wrongful dismissal at a KFC outlet. The decision underscores the importance of workplace equality and accountability in the UK.

The worker, Madhesh Ravichandran, hails from Tamil Nadu, India. He began his employment at a KFC branch in West Wickham, London, in January 2023. Within just two months of joining, Ravichandran alleged that his manager, Kajan Theiventhiram, engaged in racially discriminatory behaviour.

According to the tribunal, Ravichandran was denied his annual leave and was referred to as a “slave” by Theiventhiram. The manager reportedly told another staff member that he would prioritise Sri Lankan Tamil employees over Ravichandran, using the term “this slave” to describe him.

Ravichandran claimed that after overhearing these remarks, he raised the issue with the management, but no proper investigation was conducted. Feeling humiliated and discriminated against, he eventually resigned from his position.

Tribunal Findings

The employment tribunal, presided over by Judge Paul Abbott, ruled in Ravichandran’s favour. The key findings included:

• The refusal of Ravichandran’s leave request was significantly influenced by his race.
• He was subjected to racial harassment and discrimination.
• He was wrongfully dismissed due to the racially prejudiced attitude of his manager.
• Evidence presented by Ravichandran that he was forced to work extra hours because of his race was accepted by the court.

Based on these findings, the tribunal awarded Ravichandran £66,800 in compensation, covering losses and the emotional distress caused by the discriminatory treatment.

Recommendations for Workplace Reform

In addition to the compensation, the tribunal recommended that all employees of Nexus Foods Limited, the company operating the KFC outlet, undergo mandatory training on workplace discrimination. This move aims to prevent similar incidents in the future and promote a more inclusive working environment.

Context and Significance

This case highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers in the UK, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors, where power imbalances and lack of oversight can lead to exploitation and discrimination. Tribunals such as this play a critical role in upholding workers’ rights and ensuring that racial discrimination in the workplace is addressed and penalized.

For Ravichandran, the ruling is not just a financial victory, but also a recognition of the humiliation and hardship he endured. It serves as a reminder to employers of the legal and ethical obligations to maintain a workplace free from racial bias and harassment.

The tribunal’s decision also sets an important precedent for other employees facing racial discrimination in employment, demonstrating that legal recourse is available and can result in substantial compensation.

Ravichandran’s case is a poignant reminder of the continuing need for strong anti-discrimination measures, effective complaint mechanisms, and regular employee training to foster fairness and equality at work.

This award is one of the largest compensation amounts in recent UK workplace discrimination cases involving migrant workers, reinforcing that racial harassment and biased treatment will not be tolerated.

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