Sir Phillip  Rutnam Settles Employment Tribunal Against British Government

Sir Phillip Rutnam Settles Employment Tribunal Against British Government

By Ben Kerrigan-

Former top Home Office civil servant Sir Philip Rutnam has settled his employment tribunal claim after launching legal action against Priti Patel.

The department’s ex-permanent secretary began proceedings against the Home Secretary last year after quitting his post in February amid allegations of her bullying behaviour.

A 10-day tribunal had been scheduled to begin in September.

Sir Philip Rutnam resigned from his role as the department’s permanent secretary last year, amid bullying allegations against Priti Patel.

Announcing his departure, Sir Philip accused the home secretary of a “vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign” against him.

Ms Patel has rejected all claims of bullying that have been made against her.

Sir Philip, who was claiming “constructive dismissal”, said in a statement released through the FDA union: “I am pleased to say that the government has today settled the claims that I brought against them and which were due to be heard in an employment tribunal in September.

“I now look forward to the next stages of my career.”

“The government and Sir Philip are now pleased that a settlement has been reached to these proceedings,” it said in a statement.

The government said it “regrets the circumstances surrounding Sir Philip’s resignation”.

“The government and Sir Philip are now pleased that a settlement has been reached to these proceedings,” it said in a statement.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “The government and Sir Philip’s representatives have jointly concluded that it is in both parties’ best interests to reach a settlement at this stage rather than continuing to prepare for an Employment Tribunal.

“The government and Sir Philip are now pleased that a settlement has been reached to these proceedings,” it said in a statement.

In a statement via the FDA Union on Thursday, he said: “I am pleased to say that the Government has today settled the claims that I brought against them and which were due to be heard in an employment tribunal in September.

“I have received excellent support during this process and I would like to express warm thanks to the FDA and to my legal team, Slater and Gordon and Gavin Mansfield QC.

“I also want to record my appreciation and thanks to the many individuals, known and unknown to me, who have expressed their support throughout.

“This settlement resolves my own case. The FDA is continuing to pursue in separate proceedings the wider issues that have been raised.

“I now look forward to the next stages of my career.”

 

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