Notts police accused of racial and disability discrimination

This article is published in today's Nottingham Post:

Notts police accused of racial and disability discrimination

A police officer claims he was refused a permanent post near home, despite his chronic back problems.

Jaswant Singh, 45, from Leicester, is claiming disability and racial discrimination against Notts Police after his request for a permanent post at East Leake station was refused.

Mr Singh has had chronic back problems for ten years. He was transferred from frontline duties to West Bridgford and then to Carlton police station.

But Mr Singh said driving to Carlton was aggravating his back. His request to be re-stationed at West Bridgford and then at East Leake was refused.

Mr Singh told an employment tribunal in Nottingham: "There was a total denial that I was even suffering a disability."

Mr Singh claimed he was pressured to work more hours and was later diagnosed with high blood pressure and a heart condition.

Chairman of the bench Peter Britton said: "What is suggested... is that this gentleman is proud to be a policeman. His back problem gets worse as time goes by and it means he cannot sadly continue in an operational role. His back problems are chronic, he has to have epidurals, he would like to take really strong painkillers but he can't because if he does he can't drive."

Mr Singh acknowledged that his shifts were changed so that he wouldn't have to drive at peak times, and that he was referred to occupational health.