Council to appeal tribunal decision

Brent Council has confirmed that it will appeal against an
employment tribunal’s ruling that it discriminated against former
social services deputy director Ron Ludgate.

Ludgate, who has cerebral palsy, claimed that he was
discriminated against because of his disability.

Of the four allegations of discrimination against the council,
three were unanimously dismissed including the decision to suspend
Ludgate for gross misconduct.

However, the tribunal found that the council’s procedure for
slotting Ludgate into a managerial post was flawed.

A statement from the council confirmed that it would appeal
against the decision and that its disciplinary action, which had
been suspended until the outcome of the hearing, would now
proceed.

“Brent Council is determined to root out weaknesses in the
management of social services and its director has the full backing
of the management and political leadership,” it said.