Paul Bartle worked for Hull City Council social services department as a safeguarding manager. He resigned in 2015 and claimed constructive dismissal.
He told the Employment Tribunal that there was a culture of bullying in the department that had gone unchecked for years. He said he had been repeatedly bullied by the assistant head of service, Claire Brown, who had regularly referred to him as “f…wit” to his face and in front of other staff.
Mr Bartle said the bullying had a serious effect on his health and caused him to take time off with stress. He felt he was not offered the right support by the council and felt unable to return to work, so had no alternative but to resign.
The Employment Tribunal rejected his claim after hearing evidence that the council had dealt with his complaints fairly. It had also tried to support him but he had rejected that help.
Speaking after the judgment, Mr Bartle said: “I had my say and feel satisfied that it got aired. I’m a happy man.”
The council issued a statement saying: “We are pleased that the tribunal has found in our favour and that the claim against the authority by Paul Bartle for constructive unfair dismissal has been rejected.
“The tribunal recognised that the council handled Mr Bartle’s complaints about mistreatment fairly and did its best to support him but that, unfortunately, he did not accept all the support that was offered.
“We always strive to ensure our employees have the support and dignity at work they are entitled to.
“Any complaints made by employees are taken seriously and the appropriate action taken and support given, as in this case.”
Please contact us if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article. To find out more about JPP’s employment law services please visit employment law
