Muslim 'sacked over beard'

A Muslim is demanding £20,000 for religious discrimination after a boss at Virgin Trains allegedly ordered him to shave off his beard.

Mohsin Mohmed, 22, claims he was sacked from his job as customer services assistant at Euston after allegedly being given an ultimatum to crop his eight-inch beard.

Mr Mohmed told rail chiefs his faith required him to have a beard at least one fist's length, about four inches. Virgin strongly denies discriminating against Mr Mohmed and claims he was dismissed after his probationary period for poor performance.

It is the first case of its kind to reach tribunal since a law last December gave workers the right to sue if they are discriminated against because of their religion or beliefs.

Mr Mohmed, of Ilford, is also alleging race discrimination as an alternative claim against Virgin.

Mr Mohmed said: "Nobody tells Richard Branson to shave his beard off. Why should I have to get rid of mine?" Mr Mohmed, who has been out of work since his dismissal, said: "I was very happy when I first got the job with Virgin as it is such a big company and it and Richard Branson had such a good reputation.

"I thought I would have good prospects and I was really enjoying the job. I even got to meet Mr Branson once at Euston and he didn't mention my beard at all. He shook my hand and asked how I was. When they said I was dismissed it was for poor performance but I have good appraisals all the way through. I have lost all confidence in getting and keeping another job."

Woburn Place Employment tribunal-heard Mr Mohmed started his £17,000-a-year job last August and was given permission to wear a turban provided it was in company colours of red or black.

His manager, David Adams, allegedly took exception to his beard.

The tribunal was told: "In or around September 2003, David Adams instructed Mr Mohmed to trim his beard.

"Mr Mohmed explained that he had, but Mr Adams did not believe it was short enough." From then on, Mr Adams allegedly regularly harassed Mr Mohmed.

The originating application said: "In early December 2003, David Adams began questioning Mr Mohmed about his beard. He asked Mr Mohmed if he had a choice between keeping his job or shaving his beard off, what would he do? Mr Mohmed explained he had trimmed his beard on a number of occasions to the minimum required by his religion. David Adams stated that he would seek further guidance."

In February this year, Mr Mohmed was summoned to a meeting by Mr Adams and told he was being dismissed for his "lack of enthusiasm".

The hearing continues.