December 05, 2011
A Christian saleswoman whose 13 year career at Heathrow Airport was brought to an end by continued ‘religious abuse’, has begun legal action against Autogrill Retail UK Limited, trading as World Duty Free.
Nohad Halawi claims she was fired following “unsubstantiated complaints” by five Muslim colleagues about her conduct. She had persistently complained to management over personal religious abuse and harassment from Muslim staff, and claims she was mocked by a small group of “extremists” about “sh**ty Jesus”, according to the Telegraph.
Colleagues reportedly told Mrs Halawi she would go to hell for her religion, that Jews were responsible for the September 11th attacks, and reduced a friend to tears having been bullied for wearing a cross.
However, as Mrs Halawi was a part-time, commission-based worker, she has no legal employment rights (a situation set to change under the recently announced Agency Worker Regulations).
The Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which is representing Mrs Halawi, said she has the wide support of other staff including a petition signed by 22 other workers, including Muslim colleagues and the case is important because of the religious discrimination issues it raises, as well as issues around freelancers who are actually treated like employees.
“Nohad’s case is one of the most serious we have ever handled,” said Andrea Minichiello Williams, Chief Executive of the Christian Legal Centre.“ It raises huge issues. First, there is the level of Islamic fundamentalism prevalent at our main point of entry to the UK. Secondly, there are very real issues of religious discrimination, which it would appear those in authority are turning a blind eye to, using the current loop-holes in employment law as an excuse. Thirdly, there is a very big issue of justice. Nohad represents tens of thousands of people across the UK who work, in all but name, as ‘employees’ for companies and yet, have absolutely no employment rights.”
