A charity worker has been sacked for his shocking comments about refugees, according to a recent tribunal decision. Charles Markie, who worked with the Salvation Army for nearly 20 years, faced dismissal after saying refugees should be sent back “on a boat.” The incident took place while he was working at Strathmore Lodge in Dundee, a refuge centre for migrants. The tribunal heard that his remarks caused outrage among colleagues, especially when he suggested a Syrian refugee at the hostel should also be sent back.
Markie’s role involved supporting homeless and vulnerable individuals, including refugees, which made his comments even more jarring. His colleague reported the incident to a manager, describing the words as racist. Though warned about his behaviour, Markie claimed the team couldn’t even engage in “banter” anymore. During a disciplinary hearing, he admitted to making the comments but insisted he didn’t intend any harm, claiming, “I do make stupid comments but don’t mean any harm.”
However, the service manager found his comments undermined trust in his ability to fulfil his role fairly and deemed them gross misconduct. Despite Markie’s defence that it was just his point of view and he wasn’t directing it at anyone, the tribunal ruled he had been rightly dismissed for his actions. His claims of unfair dismissal and discrimination were dismissed by the tribunal, with the judge stating the comments showed a “complete insensitivity” towards the people they were meant to support.
The verdict underscores the importance of sensitivity and professionalism when working with vulnerable communities.