Tribunal finds police force discriminated against white heterosexual recruit

An applicant to join the police has won a case in which he argued that he was discriminated against as a heterosexual white man under policies designed to promote diversity.

Matthew Furlong took the case successfully to an employment tribunal.

His lawyer Jennifer Ainscough, of law firm Slater and Gordon, said: “This is the first reported case of its kind in the UK where positive action has been used in a discriminatory way. Matthew’s courage in pursuing this will hopefully ensure it is the last. 

“Had he not been such an exceptional candidate he may not even have suspected anything was wrong and this unlawful and unacceptable selection process may have been allowed to continue.”

She said positive action must be applied lawfully and employers had to show that their recruitment processes were lawful or leave themselves open to similar claims.

Furlong is the son of a police officer and said he was told at his interview that he was well-prepared and “couldn’t have done more”.

He said: “I absolutely agree that a force should represent the equality and diversity of the community it serves but that must be achieved legitimately and without discriminating against anyone.”

A Cheshire Police statement said the case remained live as there will be a remedy hearing: “We have been notified of the outcome of the tribunal and will review the findings over the coming days.”

Mark Smulian