Environmentalist to fight sacking at tribunal (From Oxford Mail)

Environmentalist to fight sacking at tribunal

8:22am Saturday 21st March 2009 in

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An Oxford environmentalist, sacked from one of the country’s largest property companies, is to claim he was unfairly dismissed because of his views on climate change.

Tim Nicholson, 41, told a pre-hearing review his views on the environment put him at odds with other senior employers at Grainger plc — and contributed towards his dismissal.

Mr Nicholson was told he could make a claim under the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations 2003.

He was made redundant from his role as head of sustainability in July last year, having worked for the firm since 2006.

Mr Nicholson told the review hearing his environmental beliefs meant he no longer took flights and had made modifications to his home to make it more environmentally friendly.

Grainger plc argued Mr Nicholson’s views were based on science and did not constitute a philosophical belief.

However, judge David Sneath found in Mr Nicholson’s favour.

The tribunal is expected to begin in early June.