A senior Commonwealth official, Mark Collins, has been sacked following investigations into allegations of racist bullying at the Commonwealth Foundation.
The Commonwealth Foundation is an inter-governmental organisation set up to support and strengthen the societies of the 54 member states of the Commonwealth of Nations. It reports to and is funded by the governments of the member states.
Mark Collins' dismissal is the second incident in recent times in which the organisation's attitude towards non-white employees has come into question. A former employee, Anish Rajapakse, is bringing a claim for wrongful dismissal against the Foundation after she was dismissed for revealing the allegedly racially motivated and sexist bullying at the group.
Mark Collins was the subject of two internal grievances which led to two separate investigations into his conduct. The complaints said the director allowed "subtle racism" in the workplace.
The grievances also allege "systematic and continuous aggression and harassment" and a "culture of undermining, victimisation, discrimination, and outright hostility".
The findings of the internal investigations were presented to the board in London during the week ending 18th February, and the board reportedly voted unanimously for his removal.
The Foundation could face a further two Employment Tribunal claims from the employees who made the internal complaints.
Collins' dismissal has not yet been officially confirmed by the Commonwealth Foundation, and he has yet to release a statement.
Related Links:
Read more on the story (Daily Mail)
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What is wrongful dismissal? (FindLaw)
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