Widower loses legal case against Belfast Bible College

The challenge was mounted after a Fair Employment Tribunal dismissed claims pursued on behalf of Colette Wright – believed to have been the only Catholic working at the theological facilities in Dunmurry.

But the Court of Appeal rejected all grounds advanced by her husband Brendan Wright.

Mrs Wright, who died in February 2017, worked as a part-time receptionist at the college for 12 years until she took voluntary redundancy in April 2016.

A case was brought against her former employer and its director or operations, Alan McCormick, claiming discrimination on grounds of religious/political belief, age and gender, and unlawful victimisation.

With proceedings continued by Mrs Wright’s husband following her death, the college contested all allegations.

In submissions he stated that she had been the only Catholic employee during her time there, and described it as a “mystery” that she got the job.

The court heard disputed claims that actions taken against Mrs Wright culminated in her selection for redundancy in November 2015.

Reference was also made to a senior member of staff being an elder at a place of worship which is allegedly “well known for being to the far right of the Presbyterian Church”.

In May 2019 the tribunal dismissed the case, but ordered an agreed payment of £1,099 in unpaid wages to her family.

An appeal against its determination centred only on the dismissal of the victimisation allegation. Mr Wright contended a failure to apply the correct legal test, inadequate reasons, perversity and procedural unfairness.

However, judges ruled that all points raised on appeal were unsustainable.