Supply worker sacked for offering prayer wins right to return to work

A Christian supply teacher who was dismissed for offering to pray for a sick pupil has won the right to return to her former job.

Olive Jones, 54, was sacked after offering to pray for a 14-year-old math student suffering from leukaemia.

The girl’s mother complained to Mrs Jones’ employers, Oak Hill Short Stay School and Tuition Service, who took the decision to dismiss her in November without any formal investigation.

In a meeting with North Somerset Council last month, Mrs Jones said she had not been present at a meeting between Oak Hill and the girl’s family in which they had made clear they did not want to discus faith matters. She said this information had not been passed on to her by her employers.

The council said in the meeting that it valued Mrs Jones’ skills and acknowledged that it could be appropriate for a tutor to share their faith with a pupil or a family in certain circumstances.

Her case was taken up by the Christian Legal Centre, who said welcomed the council’s decision.

“We are delighted with this outcome and that Olive Jones has been offered the opportunity to return back to her old job,” said CLC director Andrea Williams.

“Common sense has prevailed and once again the Christian Legal Centre was able to respond to Olive’s situation with legal and media support to ensure that she got a fair hearing.

“We will continue to support people like Olive, who should never have to face this kind of disproportionate action and discrimination for merely living out their Christian faith.”