Indian Worker Wins £67,000 After Being Called ‘Slave’ At UK Workplace Tribunal

West Wickham, London(England) [United Kingdom] December 28: Madhesh Ravichandran moved from Tamil Nadu to the United Kingdom with hope. Like many Indians abroad, he wanted stable work and respect. He joined a KFC outlet in January 2023. It was an outlet in West Wickham, London. Fast food jobs are often the first step for migrants. Long hours are common. Stress is normal. But dignity is expected. Ravichandran worked sincerely and followed rules. History shows Indian workers have powered the UK economy for decades. From factories to food chains, they form a strong workforce. Yet many still face silent bias at work.

Racial Words That Changed Everything At The Workplace

Within two months, Ravichandran faced troubling behaviour. He told the tribunal that his manager used hurtful language. The word “slave” was spoken. Not once, but in a work setting. He also heard his manager saying that Sri Lankan Tamil staff would be given priority. Why was this said? Why was Ravichandran treated differently? These questions stayed with him. He felt humiliated. He felt small. Racism at workplaces in the UK is not new. Courts have handled many such cases before. Still, hearing such words in 2023 shocked many.

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Leave Denied And Pressure To Work Extra Hours

Ravichandran also said his annual leave was refused. Leave is a legal right. Yet his request was denied. He felt the decision was linked to his race. He also claimed he was pushed to work extra hours. Why him? Why not others? According to his statement, he believed his manager’s thinking was racially biased. He later resigned after no proper internal action was taken. Many migrant workers quit quietly. Fear stops them from speaking. This case was different. Ravichandran chose to fight. That choice changed the outcome.

Tribunal Decision Brings Strong Words And Justice

The employment tribunal carefully studied the case. Judge Paul Abbott heard evidence from both sides. The court accepted Ravichandran’s claims. The judge stated that the refusal of leave was influenced by race. He also agreed that Ravichandran faced racial harassment. The words used caused deep upset. The court ruled that Ravichandran was wrongfully dismissed. These findings were strong. Clear. Direct. This made him awarded nearly £67,000 in compensation. The amount sent a message. Racism at work has consequences. Silence is no longer safe.

Training Order And A Wider Message On Workplace Racism

The tribunal also gave another direction. All employees of the company running the KFC outlet were asked to undergo anti-discrimination training. Why was this needed? Because racism grows when ignored. Britain had migrant labour from long time. Indians have lived and worked there for generations. Yet stories like this keep coming. This case now stands as a warning. Employers must act. Managers must think. Workers must be treated equally. Ravichandran’s case is not gossip alone. It is a legal reminder. Respect at work is not optional.