An arms-length organisation for South Lanarkshire Council will have to pay the expenses of a former employee they were found to have unfairly dismissed.
Tribunal judges previously ruled in favour of manager Gerry Campbell's claim of unfair dismissal and breach of contract against South Lanarkshire Council Leisure and Culture Trust (SLLC) and held up claims under the Equality Act.
Mr Campbell had worked for South Lanarkshire Council since 1999 and was general manager of SLLC from 2006 until April 2019 when he was sacked for alleged gross misconduct over claims he mishandled a staff grievance.
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The tribunal heard the general manager was classed as a disabled person at the time he was discriminated against as his ability to function was severely impacted by depression, stress, and anxiety.
Mr Campbell's wife was suffering from a life-threatening condition as well as his late father being diagnosed with cancer. As a result of stress and high blood pressure, Mr Campbell also suffered a retinal occlusion in his left eye and was left with blurred vision.
In July 2018, a grievance was submitted by a member of staff which contained complaints about the senior management team, including Mr Campbell.
A legal dispute broke out between SLLC and South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) officials and its administration over who should investigate the grievance against Mr Campbell before he was dismissed in 2019.
The dispute led to Councillor David Watson, who was board chairman of the leisure trust, being removed from the post and quitting the SNP.
An employment judge hit out at the local authority's disciplinary process, stating that errors were made including failing to interview key witnesses, reporting inaccuracies as fact, and non-impartial panel members being appointed to the disciplinary hearing.
Mr Campbell won his case for unfair dismissal and breach of contract as well as a claim for disability discrimination.
It has now been ruled that South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Trust is liable to pay Mr Campbell's expenses.
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