Asda worker targeted because of Ukrainian heritage

After being unfairly punished by managers who thought her nationality made her "subservient", a Ukrainian Asda worker has won a £63,000 pay-out.

An employment judge ruled Svitlana Henderson was denied breaks, threatened, left to work in cold chillers for hours at a time, and subjected to "nasty" comments. Seemingly because her managers "knew she was Ukrainian, and her cultural work ethic made her subservient".

Manchester Employment Tribunal heard that Mrs Henderson's bosses at Asda, manager Mark Bates in particular, "singled her out" because her nationality made her an "easy target".

Mrs Henderson sued Asda for racial harassment and constructive unfair dismissal after resigning in tears from the branch in Accrington, Lancs. Mrs Henderson has been awarded just over £63,000 after employment Judge Jennifer Ainscough rejected an appeal by Asda to overturn the ruling.

A spokesman for Asda said: "We are very sorry for Mrs Henderson's experiences at Asda before she left in 2019. This does not reflect the inclusive culture we want to implement in stores."

Collings Solicitors
Altrincham
0161 928 5558