A humanitarian aid charity has been ordered to pay an ex-employee more than £31,000 following an unfair dismissal complaint.
An employment tribunal in Manchester ruled that the Human Relief Foundation had unfairly dismissed Farah Ahmad after a hearing that concluded in early February.
It also found that Ahmad had been subject to detriment for making a protected disclosure.
But the tribunal rejected claims of direct discrimination because of religion or belief and indirect disability discrimination.
Further complaints surrounding a “breach of duty to make reasonable adjustments” and “harassment related to disability” were also dismissed.
The tribunal ruled the charity should pay £30,000 to Ahmad for injury to feelings as a result of her being subjected to “detriments found for making a protected disclosure”, plus a further £1,607 for breach of contract.
This breach was in relation to the charity paying 80 per cent of Ahmad’s salary for the period recorded as furlough.
The reasons for the claim are not set out in the tribunal ruling.
Protection under whistleblowing laws requires complainants to make protected disclosures with specific details.
Government guidance says any wrongdoing disclosed “must be in the public interest”.
Those protected by whistleblower laws include employees, trainees, agency workers and members of limited liability partnerships.
The HRF declined to comment on the case.