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Tribunal Backs Salvation Army’s Firing of Dundee Worker Over Anti-Refugee Remarks

The judge said the comments showed insensitivity toward people the charity is duty bound to help.

Overview

  • Publishing his ruling on December 31, Employment Judge James Hendry upheld the summary dismissal and dismissed claims of unfair dismissal, direct sex discrimination and harassment.
  • In March 2024 at Dundee’s Strathmore Lodge, colleagues heard Charles Markie say there would not be a housing shortage without taking in refugees and to send them back on a f****** boat.
  • A shocked colleague reported the incident to line manager Tracey Young, leading to a disciplinary hearing chaired by service manager Karen Good.
  • Good found the remarks racist, said they undermined trust in his ability to support refugees and amounted to gross misconduct warranting dismissal.
  • Markie, 56, a nearly 20‑year employee, told managers he meant no harm, initially disputed using the F‑word and described the comments as his personal opinion.