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NOV 09 / Relate's response to the McFarlane Employment Tribunal

Media response to the judgement of the McFarlane Employment Tribunal.

Appeal dismissed on all counts. Judgement goes in favour of Relate

Claire Tyler, Chief Executive of Relate, said:

“The appeal judgement today validates, once again, Relate’s commitment to equality of access to our services. Relate’s trusted service, both in Avon and across the country, relies on making sure that all members of society, regardless of their gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation or relationship status are able to access respectful and professional counselling and sex therapy.

“Relate is committed to supporting all religious beliefs working within Relate. However, our primary consideration is to our clients who often need complex advice and assistance. We cannot allow anything to damage our clients or to undermine the principle of trust that underpins our work.”

Notes to Editors

Media Enquiries – Mel Merritt, Press Officer, 0207554 2892 / 07971 869735

• This is an Appeal by the Claimant – Gary McFarlane - to the Employment Appeal Tribunal against a decision of the Employment Tribunal sitting in Bristol and delivered in January 2009. The Employment Tribunal found in favour of Relate.
• Gary McFarlane was unsuccessful in claiming that he had suffered either direct or indirect discrimination on the grounds of his religion or belief and similarly unsuccessful in claiming that he was unfairly dismissed. The tribunal found however that Relate Avon should have dismissed him with notice and Relate was ordered to pay him £138.
• Relate is working to promote health, respect and justice in couple and family relationships
• Relate’s services extend beyond couple counselling to family counselling, counselling for young people, online counselling, sex therapy and relationship skills workshops
• Relate works in schools, primary care settings, prisons, and with local authorities on homelessness prevention services
• Relate supports 150,000 people each year in over 600 locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Relate has a work-force of 2,000 people nationwide
• For more information and advice visit: www.relate.org.uk