Tribunal upholds Cardiff dismissal

The social worker at the centre of a controversy over
whistleblowing has lost his case for unfair dismissal.

Cardiff Council has always maintained that Charles Faber was sacked
because of financial mismanagement and not for whistleblowing as he
claimed (news, page 7, 21 November). An employment tribunal decided
unanimously last week that Faber’s dismissal was fair.

The dismissal sparked a one-day strike in Cardiff earlier this
year, following claims that Faber was being victimised for
highlighting his fears on national television over the safety of
vulnerable children cared for by Cardiff Council.

“I am very pleased that the tribunal found the council acted in a
responsible way and followed all the correct procedures,” said the
council’s deputy mayor, Christine Priday.

But Faber said the decision sent a message to social workers that
it was dangerous to speak out if they had real concerns over
children’s welfare.

“Front-line staff will feel inhibited about telling their managers
about their concerns. It will not just extend to whistleblowing but
will also stop them raising issues generally.”