Christian TA awarded damages following dismissal for street evangelism

A Christian teaching assistant from England, Andy Nix, who lost his job after being filmed engaging in street preaching, has secured a £7,000 settlement in an unfair dismissal case against Temple Moor High School, in Leeds.

Nix, who was made redundant in 2022 for participating in street preaching in Leeds in July 2021, claims he was questioned about his activities in the headteacher's office, after some students expressed feeling "unsafe."

The Christian Legal Centre, which provided support in his case, reported that Nix was immediately terminated and instructed to leave the school premises prompting the 65-year-old to initiate legal proceedings against the school.

He alleged harassment, discrimination, and a violation of his right to freedom of thought and religion under Article 9 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) and lodged a claim against the school in the Employment Tribunal.

However, the school has decided to settle the case and pay Nix £7,000 in compensation instead of going to trial.

Welcoming the settlement, Nix said he had been made to "feel like a criminal" for expressing his Christian beliefs.

"The school trampled over my freedom of expression and belief. I am pleased that they agreed to settle the case which I believe was a recognition of wrongdoing," he said.

"It is, however, a worrying sign if Christians are not allowed to debate, preach and express their faith in public without fear of losing their livelihoods.

"The impact on my life was considerable. I feared for the future, my family finances and it impacted the potential for me to get a permanent full-time role.

"I unashamedly love Jesus and my Christian faith is very important to me. I want others to know and understand this Good News and hope for their lives. I should not be treated like a criminal for doing this."

Keep up to date!

Optional email code

Sign up to our newsletter today!

Send me email updates