Wednesday 15 June 2022 12:16 AM Christian factory worker wins £22,000 after being fired to refusing to take ... trends now
A Christian factory worker has won more than £22,000 for religious discrimination after being fired for refusing to take off a crucifix necklace.
Jevgenijs Kovalkovs felt wearing the cross - which was a gift from his mother - close to the chest signified his 'commitment to his belief'.
But he was asked to take it off by his line manager as she felt it was deemed a 'hazard' at the chicken wholesalers where he worked, an employment tribunal heard.
Mr Kovalkovs, a member of the Russian Orthodox Church, was later seen wearing it again at the factory but refused to take off the jewellery which had a 'deep and profound meaning' to him.
He was then fired on the spot for disobeying orders.
He sued the company and has now been awarded £22,074.68 after the tribunal found the policy and its application was 'indirectly discriminatory'.
The hearing was told Mr Kovalkovs joined 2 Sisters Food Group Limited in Coupar Angus, Scotland in November 2019 and was quickly promoted to the role of quality inspector.
Jevgenijs Kovalkovs felt wearing the cross - which was a gift from his mother - close to the chest signified his 'commitment to his belief'
At work he wore a white coat over his clothes while lanyards, identity passes and keys were worn by Mr Kovalkov's colleagues around their necks, the tribunal heard.
The hearing, held in Dundee, heard Mr Kovalkovs wore the silver necklace, which had 30 small links, every day and that it had been sanctified during a baptism ceremony for his godchild.
However, the company's Foreign Body Control policy stated: 'Jewellery must not be worn in the production areas on site, with the exception of a single plan band ring.'
A further exception was made for religious jewellery, subject to a 'risk
