Liverpool Labour Mayor Claims Unfair Dismissal from School Job

Liverpool's Labour mayor, who claimed he was unfairly dismissed from his previous job, lost the latest round of an ongoing legal battle this month.

Joe Anderson, who was first elected as Liverpool's mayor three years ago, claims he was unfairly dismissed by bosses at Chesterfield High School in Liverpool, where he was employed as a "senior learning mentor" in 2001.

Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, who were in control of the school during Mr Anderson's appointment as Liverpool City Council leader, agreed that he could continue as a staff member under legislation which allows the school's employees to hold public office after he stopped working at the school five years ago.

However, in late 2001 the school became an independent academy and was taken out of Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council's control. It was at this time that the new bosses terminated the agreement after coming to the conclusion that pupils were getting "no benefit" from Mr Anderson's employment and that the arrangement was "inequitable".

Judge Serota, who dismissed the appeal, said:

"The realisation that a continuation of an arrangement whereby Mr Anderson, an elected official ... was paid albeit a modest amount by a publicly-funded school without having to provide any services for an indefinite period was considered to be of no value to the school and might lead to significant criticism if the arrangement became public."

"It seems to me as though Mr Anderson has simply not given sufficient attention as to how the arrangement he made ... might look to outsiders."

If you think you may have been unfairly dismissed from your job, contact our unfair dismissal solicitors on 0845 603 0708 for advice.

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