Build Scotland Construction Directory
Time and date
CONSTRUCTION DIRECTORY
Share this page
Construction News
30/07/2012

Edinburgh Repairs Whistleblower Sacked

The whistleblower who first highlighted issues within the property repairs department in Edinburgh has been sacked along with a further three staff, according to The Scotsman.

The council employee allegedly blew the whistle on problems within the statutory notice department by handing his password to a contractor.

The contractor, known as Contractor X, was reported by the council to have accessed confidential information using this password to help lift the lid on corrupt activity within the property department.

The latest sackings bring the total up to 11, with a further six members of staff remaining suspended.

It is understood that a number of the sacked staff have taken their cases to appeal and a number are believed to be considering tribunal action.

It is understood that the whistleblower was suspended back in October 2010 and remained suspended until his recent dismissal.

-- Advertisement --
NorthernAsbestosServicesLtd

A source said: "There were a couple of whistleblowers who wanted to do the right thing and now one of them has been sacked. That seems a bit rich, especially as the council has its own whistleblowing policy for things like this. Another person who acted as a whistleblower remains suspended. A number of the suspended and sacked are acting as scapegoats for other staff, who are the real culprits."

A number of people have been sacked or suspended since serious issues in four arms of the property department came to light in October 2010, including property conservation, property care, building standards and asset management.

A £1.5m Deloitte report and a police investigation into the property conservation department led to a further investigation of property care, which deals with council buildings such as community centres, libraries and public toilets.

Five associates of companies used by property care, including KM Contracts, Corstorphine Roofing, Action Building Contracts, J Walker Painting & Decorating and Euro Environmental Contracts Ltd, have been charged with offences including fraud, money laundering and corruption.

A further four ex-employees and six associates of these ex-employees have also been charged with corruption and fraud. It is understood that the remaining suspensions will be looked at in forthcoming weeks.

A council spokesman said: "Since these extremely serious allegations about property services were made the council has taken firm and decisive action. All staff are treated equally and where there is evidence we have taken robust action."

(NE)

Latest Construction News

03/05/2024

The Wheatley Group has been given planning permission from Glasgow City Council to convert the 1930s B-listed Bellgrove Hotel into 14 modern, energy-efficient and affordable flats – eight of which will be wheelchair accessible. Permission has also been granted for a further 56 flats to be built on ...
03/05/2024

Renewable energy leader Drax has announced that it will invest £80 million in a major refurbishment of its iconic 'Hollow Mountain' Cruachan pumped storage hydro power station in Scotland. Global hydropower technology supplier ANDRITZ has been appointed as the main contractor for the Cruachan ...
03/05/2024

Clark Contracts has welcomed the news that the former Dalmarnock Purifier Studios, now branded as EastWorks, has been awarded the Refurbished/Recycled workplace award at the prestigious British Council for Offices (BCO) Awards 2024. The 120-year-old former purifier shed, owned by Clyde Gateway, ...
03/05/2024

Stirling Council has launched a public consultation to shape future developments at the Viewforth and Burghmuir Road areas. The new draft framework and planning brief for Viewforth and Burghmuir covers a key area of the city centre that includes the Viewforth site, existing council buildings, ...
03/05/2024

Morrison Community Care (CCG) Holdco has secured planning permission or its latest project in South Queensferry, marking its third consecutive success. Forming part of a wider 44-hectare masterplan that will include 980 new homes, a primary school and commercial premises on Builyon Road, south of ...
03/05/2024

The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee have carried out a review of the last two years of the Community Regeneration Funding Programme, ahead of agreeing changes to how the 2024/25 programme will be delivered. Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: "Following a successful two ...
03/05/2024

Perth and Kinross Council and partners are set to progress community-led projects aimed at revitalising homes and improving rural transport links, following a winning bid for Innovate UK Pathfinder Places funding. Funding of £150,000 has been secured following a successful Phase 1 Pathfinder ...
03/05/2024

SGN engineers working on the H100 Fife project have helped support the Methilhill Community Children's Initiative (MCCI) by building an eco-toilet in the charity's learning garden. MCCI provides a safe and engaging space for local children to participate in various outdoor activities, including ...
03/05/2024

SNIPEF, the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers' Federation, has published a draft of its 2024 election manifesto detailing six strategic policy proposals designed to support its members and the broader plumbing and heating profession. Once finalised, the manifesto will be central to ...
03/05/2024

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published their 2024-25 Annual Operating Plan, detailing how they will protect and improve Scotland's environment over the next 12 months. The publication follows the launch of a new Corporate Plan at the end of March, which set out the ...
RBT Underfloor LimitedMorris & Spottiswood LtdKattrak International Hidromek SalesScotdeck LtdThe Big Block Co LtdSafe Access (Highland) Ltd.Bairds Windows LtdThe Human Touch Scaffolding Co LtdBabbity EnvironmentalTHE HOME ARCHITECT
Terms and Conditions
2024/05/04 04:34:33