British Indian translator sues government | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

British Indian translator sues government

IANS | By, London
Feb 23, 2007 05:59 PM IST

Marti Khan is suing the Govt for paying her to do nothing and thus ruining her career.

A British Indian interpreter and her Iran-born colleague are suing the British government for paying them for "doing nothing" for 15 years and thereby ruining their careers.

HT Image
HT Image

Marti Khan and Odette King are claiming more than 1.5 million pounds (over $2.9 million) as damages after immigration officials apparently forgot they existed.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Both were paid 25,000 pounds a year to translate for new arrivals and were based at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 3 in London. But immigration managers failed to reassign the translators after the Home Office started outsourcing translation jobs to freelance interpreters in 1990.

The Central London Employment Tribunal ruled Thursday that the two women were victims of race and sex discrimination. If successful, it may cost the Home Office 2.5 million pounds, which will also include legal costs.

Khan, who is fluent in various Indian languages, and King, who speaks Farsi, in their complaint to the tribunal had alleged that they turned up for work for 41 hours a week but were paid to "do nothing" or given "basic clerical duties" such as filing.

Judge Jeremy McMullen of the tribunal criticised the immigration and nationality directorate as "one of Britain's least impressive managements" and said the farce had involved more than 100 managers and human resources staff, the Daily Mail reported.

Both women are British but Khan is of Indian origin while King hails from Iran.

Khan is claiming 970,000 pounds in compensation, including 682,000 pounds for the loss of her career and 60,000 pounds for injury to feelings. King is seeking 550,000 pounds including 302,000 pounds for the loss of her career.

Both women are also seeking an order that the Home Office must find them jobs.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Arvind Kejriwal News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On