Rejected Nigerian Accuses Refugee Body Of Racism

A Nigerian man yesterday accused the organisation responsible for refugees in Scotland of race and age discrimination at an employment tribunal.

Sowaribi Tolofari claims he was not considered for a job as a case worker at the Scottish Refugee Council because he is a middle-aged black African.

The SRC rejects the claims.

The hearing, in Glasgow, heard how Mr Tolofari, 50, applied for a job with the SRC in December last year.

But Handri Cronje, the SRC assistant responsible for processing the applications, explained his form was disregarded because he failed to include the reference number of the post he was applying for. She said rejecting the application because the reference number was missing was standard practice at the SRC.

But Mr Tolofari, representing himself, said he used the reference number several times on the form. He added he had originally asked for forms for all three caseworker posts but had only received one. And he claimed this was another example of the SRC treating him differently from other applicants because of his age and ethnic origin.

Mr Tolofari, a Salvation Army project worker, is claiming £23,600 to cover what would have been a year’s pay as a case worker plus £45,000 for “emotional aggravation and hurt”.

The tribunal will issue its judgment at a later date.