News from Plymouth Labour

Plymouth Labour calls for end to Tory cover-up on staff bullying

The Information Commissioner has been asked to investigate the continuing cover-up of legal funds, paid for from the public purse but hidden from public scrutiny, by two Tory councillors in Plymouth.

Referring the matter to the information watchdog, Labour Group Leader Cllr Tudor Evans, said, “I am asking the Information Commissioner to investigate my formal complaint of the mis-use of the Data Protection Act to cover-up what I believe to be an inappropriate use of public money to prevent the disclosure of bullying and harassment of council staff where the alleged perpetrators are themselves members of the controlling Conservative administration”.

Plymouth City Council recently concluded a workplace dispute by means of a Compromise Agreement with the member of staff involved. This agreement is subject to the quite proper and acceptable confidentiality clause common in such circumstances.

What is not either proper or acceptable is the refusal of the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mrs Vivien Pengelly and Councillor Ian Bowyer, Cabinet member for HR, to disclose details of the public funds that may have been secretly allocated to pay personal legal costs associated with the dispute.

Cllr Evans added:
“The Data Protection Act is a very important law that protects individuals from wrongful and damaging disclosure of their personal and private business. It was never intended to provide a semi-legal, smokescreen and mirrors response to the actions of elected councillors who should be open and transparent in all aspects of their public service. We unreservedly condemn the continuing campaign of disinformation to prevent the truth coming out. Plymouth Council staff members are hard working, dedicated people who are entitled to a safe working environment. Their work is often difficult enough without finding that the leadership of the council resorts to bullying and harassment as methods of management.”

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• "Keep Moor View in Plymouth" boundary campaign launched - 7 November 2011