Baby P’s death almost five years ago led to the dismissal of a number of Haringey Council employees. The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has recently upheld an employment tribunal’s decision that the dismissals of the case worker directly responsible for Baby P’s care and her manager, 18 months after the death and 12 months after they were both initially issued with written warnings, were fair.
Ms Ward was the Council case worker assigned to Baby P’s care in June 2007. At this time, Baby P was on the child protection register and was subject to a child protection plan under which he was due to be seen by the Council every 14 days. On 1 June 2007, Baby P was observed to be bruised. Baby P’s mother then advised the Council that she was taking him away for a short period whilst she cared for a sick relative. Ms Ward did not ask where Baby P was to be taken and did not confirm that he had gone meaning that he was not seen by the Council at any time between 19 June 2007 and 11 July 2007. Baby P died on 3 August 2007 having sustained serious injuries. More…