Essex County Council has been ordered to pay an ex-employee more than £150,000 after a tribunal ruled that she had been discriminated against and subsequently constructively dismissed.

Ms Nicola Griffiths, 61, a social worker had been prescribed antidepressants. She had also been referred for counselling after her treatment by Essex County Council.

The employment tribunal learned that Ms Griffiths from Colchester, raised a grievance over the behaviour which hurt her feelings so much that it affected her long term mental health.

Ms Griffiths had worked in various teams within the council's Children and Family Service since 2004.

Allegations were made against Ms Griffiths in 2018 and these included concerns over administration. It was also alleged that she had caused families to leave meetings in tears.

In a meeting with her line manager Ms Griffiths was told that complaints had been made although who raised them and whether they would be investigated further was not clear.

Ms Griffiths sent an email to her line manager asking for further information of the complaints. She was told that there were further issues and nothing could be shared with her at that time.

The employment judge stated that the response gave no information at all. However, the way it was written was guaranteed to make the claimant worry.

At the initial hearing the judge stated that there was no evidence presented to them which suggested that she did not do her job well, and had not maintained a professional attitude and high standards.

Indeed, by the start of 2019 Ms Griffiths mental health was suffering and she suffered from increased anxiety.

Eventually, Ms Griffiths went on sick leave. She had to apply for a loan to cover mortgage payments as well as bills because she had stopped receiving her full pay.

The judge ruled that Ms Griffiths was disabled due to her depression and anxiety and was the victim of indirect discrimination.

A spokesperson for Essex County Council stated that the Council strives to comply with equality and employment requirements and they take their obligations and continued learning very seriously.

Essex County Council was ordered to pay Ms Griffiths £153,906.54, including £25,000 compensation for injury to her feelings.

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