Upcoming Events :
Seminar: Outsourcing and Contract Procurement
Tue 28 Feb 2012
Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB
Winckworth Sherwood represents FCO whistleblower in London Central Employment Tribunal Proceedings
Tue 08 Jun 2010
Law firm Winckworth Sherwood and barrister, Ms Olivia-Faith Dobbie of Cloisters, are representing Mr Robert Stevens in his whistle-blowing claim against the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The hearing commenced on Monday 7th June in the London Central Employment Tribunal and continues.
Mr Stevens was engaged by the FCO as an Overseas Security Manager in May 2007. During his time with the FCO he was posted in Baghdad, Kabul and most recently Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It was during his time in Helmand that Mr Stevens became aware of security issues which he believed amounted to breaches of legal obligation by the FCO and which he believed placed the safety of workers and civilians at risk. He believed that if he did not raise these issues and ensure compliance, someone could be killed or seriously injured.
During late January and early February 2009, Mr Stevens made a number of protected disclosures under the Employment Rights Act. The FCO then sought to discipline Mr Stevens for alleged performance matters for which he claims there is (and never has been) any evidence.
Partner Sue Kelly representing Mr Stevens says, “I am delighted to be involved in this case which touches on the relative levels of protection afforded to Afghans and UK nationals working for the FCO, the availability of equipment and attitudes to security, as well a number of interesting legal issues.”
