Network Rail admits failings in race case

Network Rail has admitted it "could and should have done better" after an employment tribunal found a worker was racially harassed by colleagues.

The tribunal, held in Southampton, heard Parmjit Bassi was targeted with an anti-Islam leaflet and a false stabbing accusation left in his work boots.

It ruled he was subjected to an "ongoing campaign" of harassment while working at the Eastleigh depot, in Hampshire, and that Network Rail took a "laissez-faire" approach and failed to intervene as the situation escalated.

The organisation said it was committed to learning from the experience and improving the "diversity and inclusivity" of its workforce.

A spokesperson said: "We are committed to fostering a working environment in which everyone feels respected, valued, and safe. We accept the findings of the tribunal and acknowledge that we could and should have done better.

"Discrimination of any kind is unacceptable, and we deeply regret the impact this has had.

"We have taken significant steps to improve the diversity and inclusivity of our workforce, but we recognise that this work is ongoing.

"We remain focused on learning from this experience, listening to our people, and making the necessary changes to ensure our values are reflected in everything we do."

The tribunal heard that, in November 2018, Mr Bassi found a leaflet linked to the English Defence League (EDL) placed in his work boots, which questioned what people were doing to "protect their children from Islam".

A few months later, newspaper reports about a stabbing were left in his workplace - including one in his boot - with a handwritten note stating "It was Parm".

The panel said the actions carried a "clear racial message" and that Mr Bassi had been treated as part of a perceived "other", despite not being Muslim.

It also found that management were aware of the incidents but failed to take appropriate action.

Mr Bassi was later moved to another team without his input and dismissed in 2021.

His claims for racial harassment and unfair dismissal were upheld, with compensation to be decided at a later date.

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