The news that Cheltenham Borough Council has lost its case against former managing director Christine Laird will no doubt be causing some HR and recruitment people to reach for the aspirin.
The Council was suing Mrs Laird for £1m, alleging that she withheld information about her mental health. She was appointed in 2002 but left in 2005 on health grounds, having previously taken paid sick leave.
The Council says that it’s disappointed in the decision – of course – and also says that had it known about Mrs Laird’s medical history it probably would not have appointed her.
Surely when any employer is looking to take someone on at the highest level they have a duty to ensure that they look into that person’s background as fully as possible? We know that CVs and references don’t always give the full picture.
It seems the judge felt answers Mrs Laird gave on a medical questionnaire were not false or misleading. Time then, surely, to re-visit that questionnaire and ensure that more adequate checks are made?
But councils are also fond of going on about being equal opportunity employers – so how does that square with not appointing people who have, or have had, mental health issues?
www.cheltenham.gov.uk
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