Last week Farleys’ specialist Employment Law team secured yet another successful outcome involving ex professional footballer Eamonn O’Keefe against his former employer residential care company Whistledawn Ltd trading as Northern Care. Mr O’Keefe, who had previously played football at both professional and premier league level, believed he was unfairly dismissed after whistleblowing during his time working for Northern Care.

Throughout the course of the claim, which was held before the Manchester Employment Tribunal, it was revealed that Mr O’Keefe had alerted his employers to a series of gross misgivings at the children’s home where he was working, namely the serious issue of drug use by young adults and children that was being funded and facilitated by Northern Care’s provision of pocket money to them. However Northern Care contested this, stating that Mr O’Keefe had in fact been dismissed due to his failure to complete his probationary period.

Upon the examination of evidence before the Tribunal it was found that Mr O’Keefe was dismissed for making protected disclosures to his employers, and as such, they returned the ruling that he was unfairly dismissed due to whistleblowing.

Mr O’Keefe commented on the outcome of the case:

“I’m overjoyed with the successful outcome of the case today; it has been extremely satisfying to witness Northern Care finally being accountable for their actions. I cannot thank my solicitor Victoria Mitchell of Farleys and barrister Ben Williams of Kings Chambers enough. The dedication and professionalism they showed throughout the course of the claim was exceptional.

“Their legal expertise, thorough case preparation and skill was very impressive. I’m also extremely grateful for the support of the Professional Footballers Association”.

For further information or to speak to an experienced employment law solicitor who specialises in Employment Tribunal Claims contact Farleys now on 0845 050 1958, alternatively please complete the online enquiry form.