In a landmark legal case union Unite take on the Church of England today over the sacking of a vicar.

The case at the Court of Appeal could mean British faith workers finally being awarded basic employment rights, says Unite.

The Church of England says its ministers have no employment protection because they are officeholders — not employees — and are governed by church law.

Mark Sharpe, a vicar who Unite says was driven out of his Worcestershire parish by a hate campaign that went on for years, is a Unite member.

The union won his unfair dismissal claim at an employment appeal tribunal but the Church of England has taken the case to the appeal court.

The tribunal ruled Mr Sharpe and the Church of England were in an employer-employee relationship and failed in their duty as an employer to protect him.

Unite believes victory at appeal could secure employment protection for faith workers in line with that covering other workers.

Unite national officer Sally Kosky said: “It cannot be that on the one hand the church takes huge strides forward on gender equality yet on the other remains in the dark ages on fundamental employment rights.

“Mark has had to endure a dreadful, needless process, but Unite has been proud to back him every step of the way and will continue to do so. There is much at stake here, not only for Mark but many other faith workers who are unable to seek justice for unfair treatment.”