BARNET: Muslim Met chef in pork row (From This Is Local London)

BARNET: Muslim Met chef in pork row

8:04am Monday 10th November 2008

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A Muslim chef is suing police chiefs after being ordered to cook breakfasts containing pork sausages and bacon.

Edgware resident Hasanali Khoja, claims he is the victim of religious discrimination after the Metropolitan Police refused to guarantee he would not have to handle the meat.

The 60-year-old, a devout Muslim, said managers threatened to sack him if he continued not to cook the fry-ups, dubbed “999 breakfasts”.

The meal combo, consisting of sausage, bacon and black pudding, would force Mr Khoja to go against his Islamic beliefs by handling pork products.

His lawyer, Khalid Sofi, said: “He has felt very upset about the whole matter.

“Because of his religious beliefs he requested that he could be made exempt from handling pork. Employers must have a genuine reason for not complying with the needs of employees.

“His case definitely stands up. He has a legal right and we want to help him realise that.”

Mr Khoja joined the Met three years ago as senior catering manager at Hendon Police College, in Aerodrome Road, where he was excused from touching the meat.

It was when he was moved to the Empress State Building in Hammersmith that he was ordered to cook pork for staff, but refused and was placed on leave.

He has since returned to work, but his case is still due to be heard at a Watford Employment Tribunal in May.

Mr Sofi admitted it may be resolved before that.

A Met spokesman confirmed tribunal proceedings were being brought against them, and said they were defending the claim.

He added: “As this is an on going case it would be inappropriate to comment any further.”

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