AN EAST London council was found guilty of the racist sacking of a refugee trade unionist and discriminating against another’s disability yesterday by an employment tribunal.

The GMB union welcomed the ruling by The East London Employment Tribunal, which found that the three GMB members had been unfairly dismissed from their jobs as housing officers by Barking and Dagenham Council.

During the hearing the tribunal found that one claimant, who arrived in Britain as a refugee 20 years ago, had been racially discriminated against.

His two colleagues were also treated unfavourably because they worked part-time — which, in one of these cases, constituted disability discrimination.

The GMB union said it had warned the council “time and time again” the cases would end up in court.

GMB legal head Tony Warr said: “This is a decision that should make all employers sit up and take stock of their selection procedures.”

The GMB members are now claiming compensation which will likely run into six figures.