A RACE discrimination, victimisation and unfair dismissal tribunal has centered around the county council’s top solicitor.

Philip Thomson, who runs the legal services department, made “inappropriate references to Hitler”, an employment tribunal heard.

Evelyn Jarrett, an experienced senior solicitor of Black African origin, lodged a complaint against County Hall after being made redundant in 2011.

The tribunal found she had been discriminated against, victimised and harrassed because of her race.

Ms Jarrett, aged in her fifties, said she had endured two years of hostility.

Employment Judge Martin Warren said: “A person of ethnic minority origins is bound to feel disadvantaged in a workplace managed by a person who considers it acceptable to make any positive reference, of any kind, to Hitler.”

Judge Warren also found “there was a culture of attributing inappropriate nicknames”.

Compensation for Ms Jarrett is set to be agreed on Monday, October 20.

A county council spokesman said: “We are shocked and disappointed by its findings and are currently considering an appeal.”

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'ABUSE HURT ME'

MS Jarrett has called for an independent investigation into the treatment she faced, saying the experience has taken a “terrible toll” on her.

The experienced solicitor commuted from Bedford to County Hall, in Chelmsford, during her time in the legal department.

She said: “This has taken a terrible toll on me, but I was determined to expose what was going on. The treatment that was meted out to me impacted on my health very badly.

“I hope the council launches an independent investigation into Essex Legal Services and the actions of Mr Thomson and the senior management.

“The county council says it does not tolerate racism. So I expect that it will take action to deal with this.”