Mediation hope in Met's racism case

8:34am Saturday 19th July 2008

Scotland Yard is hoping mediation will resolve a dispute which could see the UK's most senior Asian officer taking the force to a tribunal over alleged racism.

Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur had suspended the employment tribunal after the mediation process got "back on track", Scotland Yard said.

The breakthrough came after Mr Ghaffur met with the National Black Police Association and Met Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.

Scotland Yard said it was hoped mediation would take place within the next week.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "After discussions between Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, Sir Ian Blair and the NBPA, it has been agreed that the mediation process is back on track. It is hoped that the mediation will take place within the next seven days.

"As a result of this, AC Ghaffur has agreed to suspend his employment tribunal proceedings until the outcome of this mediation."

The announcement came just 24 hours after solicitors acting for Mr Ghaffur said he was to lodge formal papers outlining his complaints with an employment tribunal.

Behind-the-scenes mediation talks broke down in a row over who would foot the bill and Sir Ian was left facing a painful legal showdown with one of his closest colleagues.

Mr Ghaffur sparked a damaging race row last month after it emerged he was preparing to sue his force. Colleagues said evidence of bullying, discrimination and victimisation against the senior Asian officer was compelling.

They said the officer, who is responsible for Olympic security preparations, had been treated extremely poorly.

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