Skip to main content
Legal news

Shoesmith agrees unfair dismissal sum

Jonathan Winston Jonathan Winston
2 min read

The head of children’s services at Haringey Council, who resigned in the wake of the Baby Peter scandal, has agreed a settlement for unfair dismissal.

Sharon Shoesmith, who had been children’s services director at the council at the time of the scandal in July 2007, has agreed a confidentiality clause with Haringey Council preventing disclosure of the amount to be paid out, though sources have said it could be as much as £600,000.

The payout comes a little over a year since the Court of Appeal ruled that Shoesmith had been “scapegoated” following the death of Peter Connelly. The 17-month old died after suffering months of abuse from his mother Tracey Connelly and her boyfriend Steven Barker. Barker’s brother was also convicted of causing or allowing his death.

Police officers and doctors from Great Ormond Street Hospital were shown to have made mistakes in the months before the baby’s death but the media spotlight concentrated on Haringey Council and social workers employed in the department run by Shoesmith. She was sacked five years ago but has been working since then to clear her name, suing the council for wrongful dismissal.

She also took Ed Balls and Ofsted to court after the then children’s secretary said she should be sacked without compensation, while the schools inspectorate produced a report which she claims was misleading and lacking in balance. Shoesmith lost the first round of her claim but the Court of Appeal ruled that she had been “unfairly scapegoated”, paving the way for the compensation which has now been agreed.

https://www.theguardian.com/global/2013/oct/29/sharon-shoesmith-agrees-unfair-dismissal

Client feedback

I recently updated my will with Winston Solicitors. Emily was very helpful and professional. She explained everything I needed to know very clearly and addressed any questions I had . The service was excellent
Ann
Great experience and consistent feedback
Alexander
Good communication, clear emails, good attention to detail reacted quickly to problems.. We have used twice now and would certainly use her again as a convincing solicitor. Much better than other we have used in the past.
Rachel
The service from Sam and Paolo has been exceptional - timely, responsive and efficient through a highly stressful house purchase (no fault of theirs!) and we would highly recommend them both to anyone!
Mr & M
I recenlty contacted Winstons Solicitors to assist with a appeal for my mother with the ICB regarding a continuing health care assessment. James Urquart Burton assited me with the process. He was exteremely helpful and understanding. James provided an indepth analysis and assesssment and was present at the appeal to assist me and advocate for my mother. Jame's work is diligent, professional and he is really responsive to any questions and queries. I highly recommned contacting James to help and assist with any appeals for Continuing Healthcare and Decision Support Tool reviews
Angela
Excelent service
Angus
Amr and Joe at Winston Solicitors were great for the purchase of our new home. Being transparent with communication and providing updates when needed.
Anonymous
Quick and simple service
Jacob
Contact Jonathan