A local authority has lost its £1m claim against a chief executive who they claimed failed to disclose previous stress-related illnesses in her job application.
A local authority has lost its £1m claim against a chief executive who they claimed failed to disclose previous stress-related illnesses in her job application.
Cheltenham Borough Council sued its former employee, Christine Laird, for making fraudulent or negligent misrepresentations in a job application, by not disclosing she had previously suffered depression.
However, Mr Justice Hamblen dismissed the application, noting that Laird had correctly filled out the council’s medical questionnaire, which asked: “Do you have either a physical and/or mental impairment?”
Hamblen J said: “She did not have an ongoing depressive disorder...A reasonable person in Mrs Laird’s position at the material time would not regard herself as having a physical or mental impairment.”
Hamblen J rejected a counterclaim for damages by Laird to reflect the value of the work she did for the council during her tenure.
Andrew North, chief executive of the council, is consulting with group leaders and legal advisers on whether or not to appeal the ruling.
A decision will be made early next week.
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