KP sues Ramsay Holdings for constructive dismissal

A kitchen porter who claims he was made to lift heavy weights while suffering from a hernia is suing Gordon Ramsay Holdings for disability discrimination and constructive dismissal.

Vasco Ferrerira, a 53-year-old Portuguese-born KP, had worked at the Connaught hotel since 1986 but claims the management style became aggressive and abusive after Ramsay's company took over in 2002.

He accuses Gordon Ramsay's managers and head chef Angela Hartnett of the mistreatment, which he claims included being called a "f***ing lazy foreigner" and being told to move gas cylinders despite his hernia.

He said: "I soon got the impression that Mr Ramsay was trying to get rid of the old employees and every day I was shouted at and mistreated."

Ferreira has also launched a personal injury claim for physical and mental injuries following the alleged abuse.

Dave Turnbull, hotel representative for the T&G union, who has represented Ferreira since his original claim a year ago, said: "This is not the first allegation from long-term Connaught employees since Ramsay took over. People go to work to earn a living and deserve to be treated in a fair and respectful manner.

"The idea that because you are passionate about food justifies the managers having this macho-aggressive attitude towards staff is unacceptable and unlawful."

A spokeswoman for Gordon Ramsay Holdings said Ferreira's claim was being investigated, but insisted Ramsay had never met the claimant.

A statement said: "Gordon Ramsay Holdings is dealing with this matter in the normal manner with which industrial claims are met. It is surprising that the claimant has gone to the press in the middle of a legal process."