A CHRISTIAN halal meat firm manager, from Halesowen, has won more than £2,000 compensation for race and religious discrimination.

Christopher Turton, described as “white British”, worked with 298 Muslims at the national Halal Food Group, Birmingham, and complained to a tribunal about an “offensive and racist” email.

The email described Mr Turton, from Hasbury, as not being a “Muslim brother” and asked if he had been favoured in his appointment because he was white.

The Birmingham Employment Tribunal was told he was one of only two non-Muslim workers, having been employed as an area manager before being promoted to national concessional manager.

The firm supplied goods to supermarkets and other outlets and Mr Turton introduced changes in a move to boost income. But the changes were not wholly welcomed, said Mr Sonny Jagpal, representing the respondents.

Later an email was sent out criticising Mr Turton and complaining there were too many chiefs.

The email alleged Mr Turton had been favoured and asked: ”Is it because he is white?”

It also pointed out that Mr Turton was not a brother of Islam and added: ”Allah is the provider.”

There was also a suggestion Mr Turton had been appointed to impress customers.

The tribunal was told Mr Turton found the email “extremely offensive” and was made to feel alienated. He went off work with stress and eventually resigned.

Mr Jagpal said the email had been sent by an employee and a self employed worker and was totally against the opinion of the firm.

“The firm’s management disapproved of the email and arranged a face-to-face meeting with those involved and issued an apology,” said Mr Jagpal.

Tribunal judge Victoria Dean said Mr Turton had found the email racist and offensive and said there had been an injury to his feelings.

She initially awarded Mr Turton a total of £3,000 reduced to £2,550 because he had failed to lodge an official grievance with the firm.

Miss Dean recommended the company issue equal opportuntiy instructions to the workforce and team leaders.