FORMER Bury Hospice chief executive Jacqui Comber has spoken after winning her employment tribunal against the organisation.

Mrs Comber, who was sacked in March, 2016, could now be in line for a payout of up to £72,000.

Bury Hospice admitted in court that Mrs Comber’s dismissal was “procedurally unfair”.

She said: “I am delighted that the tribunal has found in my favour and concluded that I was unfairly dismissed.

“I am deeply saddened by the conduct of the Trustees of Bury Hospice.

“In particular, the failure of the trustees to treat me fairly, with dignity and with respect was specifically highlighted by the judge who said: ‘I think it reasonable to conclude that whatever the claimant might have said at any disciplinary hearing . . . she would have been dismissed by the trustees who had made up their minds that the claimant had to go regardless of the rights or wrongs of her conduct’.

“I was in particular saddened by the comments of Ms Carr who, on behalf of Bury Hospice, mentioned that I was involved in an inappropriate relationship, which allegation is completely untrue.

“In respect of Ms Carr, the judge stated that her ‘report could not be a fair or balanced report because it covered one side only’.

“It is important that the people of Bury know the full facts and truth of this matter.

“Bury Hospice undertook a public campaign against me.

“Indeed the trustees had briefed the press, in particular Manchester Evening News and Bury Times, that I was going to be dismissed and that briefing had taken place prior to the trustees informing me that I was to be dismissed.

“The picture which has emerged from the tribunal is one of the trustees blaming me for all of the problems of Bury Hospice when, in fact, it was the trustees’ decisions to enter into significant financial commitments which placed unacceptable financial pressures on Bury Hospice leading to a reduction of services.

“I now intend to pursue all of those individuals and organisations who made false accusations and allegations against me.”

Bury Hospice declined to comment.

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