KFC worker awarded nearly £70,000 for racial discrimination

A fast-food worker who was subjected to racial abuse, excessive working hours, and unfair treatment has been awarded close to £70,000 by an employment tribunal.

The employee, who worked at a KFC franchise was repeatedly required to work far beyond normal contractual hours. The tribunal heard that his manager regularly assigned him shifts exceeding 50 hours a week, with his workload peaking at an average of around 75 hours during the summer.

During his employment, the worker overheard his manager using racially offensive language to describe him and stating that staff from a particular ethnic background would be prioritised over him for benefits such as annual leave.

The tribunal found that these remarks were humiliating and degrading, and that decisions about his treatment at work were influenced by his race.

A request for annual leave was refused, with the tribunal concluding that this decision was significantly affected by racial bias. The manager also ignored or responded aggressively when the employee raised concerns about his working hours, and the tribunal determined that he was being forced to work excessive hours against his will.

The employee raised a formal complaint with senior management. However, the tribunal found that the response was dismissive and that no meaningful investigation took place. After the manager later left the business, the company decided not to pursue the matter further.

The employment judge concluded that the employee had been treated less favourably because of his race and that the employer had failed to take reasonable steps to prevent discriminatory behaviour. The judge described the manager’s conduct as highly offensive and found that it created a hostile, degrading, and intimidating working environment.

The tribunal ruled that forcing the employee to work excessive hours formed part of the discriminatory conduct and that his resignation amounted to a constructive dismissal linked to racial harassment.

In its findings, the tribunal ruled that the employee had been subjected to direct race discrimination, harassment, victimisation, and constructive dismissal.

Compensation of £66,760.71 was awarded.

The case is a reminder that organisations must be able to demonstrate the practical steps they take to prevent discrimination, including regular training, robust procedures, and clear workplace guidance. Should you require assistance to implement these steps, contact 121 HR Solutions at enquiries@121hrsolutions.co.uk.

KFC worker awarded nearly £70,000 for racial discrimination

121 HR Solutions Ltd