Sikh policeman wins £10,000 compensation

£10,000 compensation was awarded to a Sikh policeman by an employment tribunal, as he was ordered to remove his turban during riot training. PC Gurmeal Singh, 31, had joined the Greater Manchester police in 2004 and would not remove his turban for religious reasons.

He was awarded £3,500 for racial and religious discrimination. He was also awarded £6,500 for injury to feelings and harassment after suffering psychological damage.
Singh said that in a meeting with the sergeant to discuss the riot training, he was told to remove the turban or to modify his turban.

He also said that, he suffered from stress, panic attacks and he was sick over the issue which was discussed for a long time.

The court rejected his 13 out of 15 allegations but the panel found that he suffered from indirect and racial discrimination. This was proved after he included group emails on February 8th, which said that riot training was compulsory and he had to remove his turban for the training.

After the hearing, he said that he hoped Greater Manchester police will accommodate him after these long term issues.

Singh is still working for Greater Manchester police on recuperative duties and was also awarded £1,914.15 for loss of earnings.