Shoesmith in Appeal Victory

Sharon Shoesmith, previously Director of Children’s Services for Haringey Council, has won an appeal against her dismissal.

Last year a judicial review found Ms Shoesmith’s dismissal was lawful, but in a judgment handed down today, the Court of Appeal found “Haringey’s decision to dismiss Ms Shoesmith was itself “unlawful and void”.

This case is reminder to all employers that not following a proper disciplinary procedure can easily lead to a successful claim against you. Advice on employment law is available from Employment Law Clinic, and employers are advised to contact us before taking disciplinary action.

Update: Following the judgment above, the Department for Education & OFSTED did seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court, but this was today refused.

Filed under: Employment Tribunals, General News by Employment Law Clinic           Post created on: May 27th, 2011