Worker wins discrimination case at employment tribunal

London's oldest gay pub has lost a landmark claim at an employment tribunal over constructive dismissal and discrimination towards an employee.

Charles Lisboa, who is openly homosexual, won his claim over the drinking establishment beginning an "anti-gay" policy.

Mr Lisboa was hired as the assistant manager of the Coleherne Arms in December 2008 before the pub became the Pembroke Arms. When the company was bought by Realpubs it was redecorated and advertised as a gastropub, those looking to find a solicitor have been told.

After the venue reopened Malcolm Heap, Realpubs director, took steps to make the pub feel less homosexual and suggested fixing a sign to the pub's exterior stating: "This is not a gay pub", leading Mr Lisboa to hand in his resignation.

He was awarded £4,500 at the London Central Employment Tribunal in February, although his constructive dismissal case was dropped.

This week when went to the Employment Appeal Tribunal where he had his claim for constructive dismissal upheld.

The judgement said: "A policy of embracing diversity and welcoming inclusiveness is laudable; discriminating against gay customers and staff on grounds of their sexual orientation is not."

In addition, a case of unfair dismissal launched by Susana Danio in November last year saw the domestic assistant win £7,442.

Published by Tessa Jones