An international leprosy charity has been cleared of subjecting a Bangladeshi employee to racist discrimination.

However, the employment tribunal found Colchester-based Lepra was guilty of unfairly dismissing Rokunuz Zaman from his post.

Mr Zaman had told the tribunal, sitting at Stratford, London, he was exposed to racism throughout his time with the organisation, which has its headquarters at Middleborough.

He said chief executive Terry Vasey described Bangladeshi colleagues he believed were dishonest as "snakes," also branding Bangladeshis generally as complicated, corrupt, "political" and untruthful.

In addition, he alleged he was several times questioned about his attitude towards employing relatives, as bosses believed nepotism was a Bangladeshi trait.

Announcing its judgement on Friday, the tribunal's chairman Jean Laidler said there were inconsistencies between Mr Zaman's claims and the evidence of his own witnesses.

Though he voluntarily resigned from Lepra, Mr Zaman claimed his manager Rene Vargas had effectively dismissed him by telling him he was sure to be sacked at a disciplinary hearing that was due to be held to probe gross misconduct allegations.

Ms Laidler said she was satisfied Mr Vargas' comments did amount to a dismissal, especially as nothing had been done to track down documents that Mr Zaman had told him could clear his name.

  • LEPRA said after Mr Zaman's case was concluded it was pleased with the judgement on the racism allegations.

A spokesman for the charity told the Gazette: "We are immensely relieved that we were found not liable for race discrimination and have therefore been vindicated.

"However, we are disappointed by the finding of unfair dismissal."

Mr Zaman's legal team is considering appealing on the racism judgement.

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