Worker loses whistleblower sacking claim

A "whistleblower" sacked for gross misconduct by Staffordshire University has lost his case for unfair dismissal and breach of contract.

Eddie Clarke took the university to a tribunal and claimed compensation after alleging he was sacked for making whistleblowing disclosures, all denied by his employers, to the Serious Fraud Office, police, an MEP and others.

The 42-year-old, who was employed at the university for nearly 10 years as a senior learning development officer, alleged multiple and serious irregularities had taken place.

After considering the evidence, the tribunal unanimously dismissed his claims.

Its report said: "All the respondent's witnesses gave clear and coherent evidence under persistent and, at times, aggressive questioning by the claimant.

"The claimant disputed every statement of evidence made by the respondent's witnesses and accused each in turn of fraud and concealment.

"He viewed their actions as acts of harassment and put those allegations to witnesses. All continued to give reasoned responses.

"In contrast, the claimant demonstrated that he had a distorted section of both events and documents."

Mr Clarke, of Beech Road, Bilston, was accused by the university of a number of gross misconduct issues including making unreasonable, vexatious and excessive demands for inform- ation and responses in respect of matters with malicious intent, continuing to abuse staff, and making serious false allegations, including criminal activity, with no supporting evidence.

The tribunal rejected Mr Clarke's assertion he had been harassed and bullied.

"On the contrary, he was treated by the respondent's employees with a courtesy he failed to reciprocate."