A Christian finance worker has lost a claim for religious discrimination after she took issue with a colleague dressing as a devil for Parkrun at Halloween. Elaine Wilson argued that she was being personally attacked when Glyn Williams posted a picture of his costume—which featured the pretend race number '666'—on a work group chat. The devout Christian also complained that colleagues frequently said 'Oh my God' in her presence, an employment tribunal in Manchester heard.
Background of the Case
Miss Wilson worked in a finance role for Viaduct Care CIC, a federation of GP practices in Stockport, Greater Manchester, from May to December 2023. She described her personal life as revolving around Jesus Christ. The company had open-plan offices, but she often sought quiet spaces to work.
Complaints About Language
In September 2023, Miss Wilson told her line manager Graham Rose that she sat alone because 'people seem to have an issue with the fact that I am quiet and not always chatting in the office, as well as the amount of time people would use the Lord's name in vain.' She added, 'I know it's just a slang word and a part of people's language nowadays, but I do believe that He exists and that it is rude to use His name as just a slang word.' She asked for colleagues to be told not to use the Lord's name in vain.
Workplace Adjustments
The following month, an email was sent to the team stating: 'Can we all be aware that Elaine is very religious and that some of the colloquial terms that we may consider acceptable in the UK can be offensive to her. Please bear this in mind when you are in the office.' One colleague subsequently complained that religious views were being 'forced upon her'. Miss Wilson then alleged that two people used the Lord's name in vain deliberately, but the tribunal found this was not intentional.
The Halloween Incident
On October 29, 2023, Mr Williams posted a picture of himself participating in a Parkrun dressed in a devil costume with the number '666' as a pretend race number. Miss Wilson claimed this amounted to direct discrimination because of her religion. Two days later, on Halloween, Mr Williams posted a picture of himself and his wife in Halloween costumes, showing him dressed as a zombie. Miss Wilson responded by sending a link to a religious article titled 'Evil Spirits Used to Terrorise Me. I know what Halloween is …', hosted on a Christianity website.
Further Complaints
In November, Miss Wilson said colleagues were being excessively noisy in the office to 'get at her'. A colleague made a complaint about her behaviour during a coffee morning, alleging that some people had reduced their time in the office due to feeling like 'walking on eggshells'. Another colleague claimed Miss Wilson was doing the 'oppressing' and that they feared upsetting her 'just by talking', describing her views as 'dogmatic'.
Dismissal and Tribunal Decision
In a review hearing, Miss Wilson stated she did not mind if people used the Lord's name in vain but did not want to hear it constantly. She was dismissed in December 2023 during her extended probation period. Bosses cited 'a significant number of incidents during your probationary period where your conduct towards other staff members were concluded to be unacceptable.' Despite support and adjustments, incidents continued. Miss Wilson appealed, arguing she had been harassed and bullied, but this was dismissed. Managers said she was fired for 'failure to meet the expected standards of professional conduct'.
Employment Judge David Franey ruled that the devil costume posts were not directed at Miss Wilson and could not be less favourable treatment because of religion, as the posts were for everyone in the WhatsApp group. 'Everyone was treated the same. [Miss Wilson]'s religious views were the reason she was offended by the posts, not the reason for them, and therefore the allegations of direct religious discrimination failed.' All her other claims were also dismissed.
Response from Colleague
Speaking from his home, Mr Williams said: 'In my opinion the whole thing was ridiculous. But I don't want to comment anymore.'
