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Race row at WMPTE

31st March 1988, Page 30
31st March 1988
Page 30
Page 30, 31st March 1988 — Race row at WMPTE
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

• A race relations row has broken out at the West Midlands Passenger Transport Executive, with the bus group losing an appeal against revealing statistical information about the number of black and white people applying for — and getting — traffic supervisors jobs.

The Court of Appeal has thrown out West Midlands' objection to giving an Industrial Tribunal such information, on the grounds that it was necessary to give a fair hearing.

The PTE has appealed against orders of a Birmingham Industrial Tribunal and the Employment Appeals Tribunal in connection with a claim of unlawful race discrimination by Jaqwant Singh, an unsuccessful applicant for the post of senior inspector with West Midlands.

Singh had alleged that he was better qualified and had more years of experience than the successful applicant.

It was argued before the Court of Appeal that the fact that coloured applicants had not been promoted in the past did not prove racial discrimination.

Dismissing the appeal, Lord Justice Balcombe said he was satisfied that the statistics were relevant to a fair disposal of the case.

Statistical evidence might establish a discernable pattern of discrimination, said Balcombe, and it is the practice in such cases for employers to provide evidence of a nondiscriminatory nature.