Mr Anthony Gordon, who is of Black British ethnic origin, was employed by the Council between 2021 and 2023 in children’s residential homes across Salford.  

During his employment he repeatedly reported incidents of racial harassment, exclusion, and unfavourable treatment by senior managers, but said no meaningful action was taken despite raising concerns through the Council’s grievance and appeal procedures. 

Instead, Mr Gordon, 60, was moved between homes, had his probationary period extended multiple times over a 13-month period, and was denied opportunities that were routinely offered to white colleagues. One senior manager at the centre of his complaints – who described Mr Gordon as the leader of a “mob”, along with his union representative – has since left the Council. 

Supported by his union and representatives from various individuals across the Salford UNISON Branch, the North West Case Unit, and the NW Unison Black Members Committee and represented by Thompsons Solicitors, Mr Gordon brought an employment tribunal claim. His case was combined with that of another colleague who had also reported racial harassment, and the claims were listed for a ten-day hearing in September 2025. 

However, following Judicial Mediation in August 2025, the claims were settled out of court, and Mr Gordon has now received compensation in recognition of the emotional and financial impact of his ordeal. As part of the agreement, Salford City Council has issued a full written apology acknowledging that his treatment had been “a deeply distressing experience” and expressing regret for the harm caused. 

Reflecting on his experience, Mr Gordon said he wanted to turn his pain into purpose — to shine a light on what he went through, and to empower others to stand tall, be counted, and speak out against discrimination.  

He said: “The constant need to defend my character in a hostile, biased environment has taken a huge toll on my health. I’ve suffered chronic fatigue, insomnia, high blood pressure and worsening pre-existing conditions, which forced me into ill-health retirement in August 2024. It has been financially devastating.” 

He continued: “I was once fit and active, playing various sports, but now I can no longer take part. I can’t even have an active role in caring for my grandson. 

“I’m incredibly thankful for the various strands of UNISON – including the Salford branch, the North West Case Unit, and the NW Unison Black Members Committee – and to Thompsons Solicitors for their unwavering support. Without them, my experience would have been trivialised. 

“When you’re subjected to this kind of behaviour, silence is not an option. But it’s not an easy process to go through, and support networks like UNISON are vital in giving individuals the strength to speak out and take action. It’s a lonely road, but you have to find the courage to say enough is enough.” 

Samantha Tanney, of Thompsons Solicitors, who represented the claimants through UNISON’s legal services scheme, said: “This settlement and formal apology reflect the seriousness of the issues our clients raised. Race discrimination in the workplace is not only unlawful – it is deeply damaging to the wellbeing, dignity and careers of those affected. 

“This case highlights the importance of proper grievance handling, prompt action when concerns are raised, and the need for robust equality and diversity practices in public services. We are proud to have supported Mr Gordon in holding his employer to account, and we commend him for his resilience in pursuing justice.”  

Speaking about the wider impact of his ordeal, Mr Gordon added: “The treatment I endured highlights systemic issues that disproportionately impact Black professionals, especially men, who are too often seen as intimidating rather than capable. My height and presence were totally misread through racist stereotypes and tropes. 

“I entered this role hopeful, but the lack of fair and unbiased support left me feeling voiceless and marginalised. It’s shattered my trust in organisational systems, but I hope that by speaking out, others who may have suffered in the same way also find the strength to do the same. 

“By holding the Council to account, I hope lessons will be learned so that no one else has to experience this.” 

UNISON North West regional manager Jenny Martin said: “No one should be discriminated against at work because of their race. 

"Anthony's case lays bare how damaging it is when employers ignore racism instead of confronting it. Staff should not be moved from workplace to workplace, have their career stalled, or see their health suffer simply for speaking up. 

 

"Fair treatment, proper support and safe reporting systems aren’t optional extras – they are fundamental to decent working practices.”