Simon Bellwood came to the Island as the manager of the home in August 2006, but claims that he was harassed and sidelined by his line-manager until he was put on ‘gardening leave’ five months later and sacked in July 2007.
He is claiming that he was unfairly dismissed and is seeking compensation from an Employment Tribunal in a case likely to run until the end of next week. Among the 20 witnesses scheduled to be called is former Health Minister Stuart Syvret, who will give evidence on Mr Bellwood’s behalf.
Mr Bellwood gave evidence yesterday, and will be cross-examined by Health chief executive Mike Pollard today. The department has yet to make its case, but will argue that it decided not to take him on permanently at the end of his probation on ‘capability and conduct’ grounds.
