NEWS & RESOURCES

Priti Patel could face tribunal questioning over bullying claims of top civil servant

Home Secretary Priti Patel may have to give evidence at an employment tribunal following claims she forced out the Home Office’s most senior civil servant. Ms Patel is also accused of bullying staff and allowing a press briefing campaign to go ahead against Sir Philip Rutnam who resigned in February.

In Sir Philip’s claim for constructive dismissal, he names Ms Patel as a respondent which could mean the Home Secretary is called as a witness when the tribunal case is heard in a tribunal next September. Ms Patel, however, insists she is the victim of a politically-motivated campaign.

The Government will likely try to block its minister from taking the witness stand during the 10-day hearing. No secretary of state has ever been taken to an employment tribunal by a senior civil servant before.

Bullying claims

After his resignation, Sir Philip made a televised statement in which he claimed to have been a target of a “vicious and orchestrated briefing campaign”. He claims that there were allegations that he had briefed the media against the Home Secretary, which he maintains are entirely false. Sir Philip claims several other civil servants had repeatedly raised concerns about Ms Priti’s behaviour. He accuses the Home Secretary of “shouting and swearing, belittling people, making unreasonable and repeated demands”.

There are also reports that a senior Home Office official collapsed following a heated meeting with Ms Patel. She is also accused of requesting that another senior official be moved from their job. Sir Philip claims that Ms Patel’s behaviour created a culture of fear in the department, and it took bravery to call it out.

Sir Philip is using whistleblowing laws to pursue his claims which means that there is no upper limit to the payout he could receive should his case be successful.

Government investigation

Sir Philip’s allegations triggered a Cabinet Office investigation. However, seven months later, the findings of the investigation have yet to be reported. Ms Patel herself says she has not read the final report. However, the media claims the inquiry clears her of any serious wrongdoing.

Supporters of the Home Secretary insist she is the victim of a deliberate campaign by civil servants who oppose her strident pro-Brexit views and plans to cut immigration. She recently announced her latest plans for a two-tier asylum system that will see people be put to the asylum queue if they reach Britain by illegally crossing the Channel.

Sir Philip was just the first in a series of permanent secretaries to quit their post this year, following the Government’s reform of the civil service driven by Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s chief aid. It’s believed that several others have also quit their civil servant posts after falling out with ministers, although they so far haven’t gone public.

HR Support

For support and advice on any employment-related issue, contact HR Solutions online or call us on 0844 324 5840.

 

SHARE THIS:

Instagram

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

RELATED RESOURCES

Explore our comprehensive library of related resources to gain valuable insights, expert tips, and helpful tools for optimising your HR practices.

PARTNER REGISTRATION

Register your details below and we will contact you regarding how HR Solutions can support your organisation.

MAKE A GENERAL ENQUIRY

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

REQUEST A PROPOSAL FROM US

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Please complete the form and one of our team will call you back to discuss your query/booking.

Request your free trial

Register your details below and we will contact you about your 30 day free trial of the HR Knowledge Base.

REGISTRATION FORM

Register your details below and we will contact you about access to the HR Knowledge Base.  As part of your approved industry membership organisation you can get access to the HR Knowledge Base, created by Business HR Solutions, which is the go-to resource for thousands of business owners and managers across the UK.

2023/2024 SME BUSINESS SURVEY

Our latest 2023/24 SME Business Survey sheds light on the intricate dynamics shaping the SME sector and unveils critical insights that can guide businesses toward sustainable success.

IF YOU WISH TO PURCHASE HR ADVICE LINE TIME, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.

HR Solutions are here to help. We offer a standard hourly rate package for ad hoc HR advice which means you can pay for what you need, whenever you need it, and then quickly get advice. Our highly experienced advisors are on hand to provide you with practical employment advice to help you manage your workforce.  You can purchase HR Advice Line time now, and the time purchased will be valid for 12 months.