Manchester social workers disciplined over drug allegations

Manchester Council has disciplined two social workers after they were arrested on suspicion of drug offences at a work-related party.

The council sacked one of the women, who was employed through an agency.

The other, who has a permanent contract with the authority, has been suspended while police investigate the incident following the arrests on 28 May.

DCS: high standards required

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said officers arrested a 27-year-old woman on suspicion of possession and supply of a class A drug and a 31-year-old woman on suspicion of possession of a class A drug. They have been bailed until 29 July.

Pauline Newman, the council’s director of children’s services, said the alleged drug misuse took place “during an after-hours staff celebration away from the office”.

She added: “We expect the highest standards of behaviour from our staff and our actions reflect that we take these allegations very seriously.”

GSCC looking into allegations

The General Social Care Council has requested further information about the incident from Manchester City Council.

A spokesperson said officials contacted employers at the council after reading about the case in the media, and reminded them of their duty to inform the GSCC of any concerns about the suitability of individual social workers to remain on the social care register.

The GSCC’s chair, Rosie Varley, said in April that too many employers were disciplining staff internally without passing on information about potential breaches of the code of practice for social care staff.

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