Sacked nurse Yunus Bakhsh to sue Unison

Nov 11 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

A SACKED mental health worker says he will sue the union which suspended him if they don’t apologise and retract statements made against him.

Yunus Bakhsh, of Fern Dene in Gateshead, was suspended from his job at the Hadrian Clinic in Newcastle more than two years ago after being accused of bullying, before being fired in July this year.

He was also suspended as full-time secretary for the health union Unison’s North of Tyne branch.

An appeal into his sacking will be heard on December 3.

And last night he told The Journal that he intended to sue Unison for alleged defamation.

The 47-year-old said: “The way they have treated me is absolutely disgraceful. They have held meetings and taken anonymous evidence and given me no access to any of it. I didn’t even know what I was supposed to have done until a few months ago.”

Several employees had reported to the union that they had been the victims of a campaign of intimidation at the hands of Mr Bakhsh.

They alleged intimidating phone calls, smashed windows and intimidating behaviour. No complaints were lodged with the police.

Mr Bakhsh said: “Lies have been told about me and I have been given no chance to defend myself.

“This is about the integrity of the union, they should not have to resort to these kind of tactics.

“I want these allegations against me, which are without basis, retracted and a full apology.

“Unless I get that then I will have no choice but to pursue legal action against the union.”

Other Unison members said they were backing Mr Bakhsh, who they say has been subjected to “appalling treatment” by union officials.

A Unison spokesperson said: “This relates to an internal disciplinary investigation relating to matters unconnected to Yunus Bakhsh’s employment, including alleged serious breaches of Unison rules.

“The hearing is due to conclude on 19 November 2008 and is a confidential matter. The union is unable to comment further at this stage in order to avoid prejudice to Yunus Bakhsh’s case.”