A SETTLEMENT has been reached midway through a tribunal in which Arch’s former finance director had been claiming unfair dismissal.
Paul Czerepok had said that his sacking for gross misconduct, following suspension and an investigation in the wake of the Conservatives taking over at County Hall in May 2017, was ‘politically motivated’.
Northumberland County Council’s leader, Peter Jackson, and chief executive, Daljit Lally, were named respondents (those alleged to be responsible) in the case, but both denied the allegations.
The tribunal, which began hearing witness evidence last Tuesday, was due to continue through this week. Testimony had been heard from Mr Czerepok; former council chief executive, Steve Mason; former interim chief executive of Arch, Jacqui Kell; Coun Jackson and Ms Lally.
On Tuesday it was revealed that the legal teams had gone behind closed doors to discuss a potential settlement, before a statement released on Wednesday on behalf of both parties confirmed an agreement had been reached.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here