Job tribunal: Why supporting Brexit won't protect you from being fired
Recent employment tribunal makes groundbreaking decision about Brexit views in workplace. Former local politician loses case against charity after social-media posts lead to job termination
A ground-breaking employment tribunal ruled that supporting Brexit doesnt qualify as a protected belief under workplace discrimination laws. The decision comes from a case involving Colette Fairbanks‚ an ex-Ukip councillor who got fired from her job at a rehab charity
The case started when Fairbanks joined Change Grow Live (a drug-and-alcohol rehabilitation organization) about 2 years ago: she didnt mention her past role as Ukip councillor during her job interview. Problems began when co-workers found out about her political background early last year; she claims this led to workplace issues
Last summer‚ the charity fired Fairbanks from her Fleetwood-based position due to controversial social-media posts (which she denies making) about immigrants and asylum-seekers. The posts suggested that newcomers unfairly got priority for public services - a claim that drew significant criticism
Employment judge Paul Jumble made an important distinction in his ruling: theres a clear difference between philosophical beliefs and strong opinions; Brexit support falls into the latter category. He explained that if Brexit views were protected beliefs then over half of UK voters would have special legal protection - which wasnt the laws intention
The tribunal found that while Fairbanks had genuine views they didnt meet the criteria for protection under the Equality Act. This means employees cant claim discrimination based solely on their pro-Brexit stance
