News: Contract Law
Business contract law: Executive sued for misrepresentation
28 January 2009
The importance of employment law training has been highlighted by a court case filed against the former top executive of Cheltenham Borough Council.
Christine Laird is being accused of using "fraudulent or negligent misrepresentation" to obtain the position by concealing details of her history of depression.
The local authority is suing her for £982,000 plus interest, suggesting she would not have obtained the position if she had been truthful in her application and not breached contract law.
Before taking the position, she asserted that she did not see herself as disabled and asserted she was in "good health".
Andrew North, the current chief executive of Cheltenham Borough Council, claims deception on a job application form "can't be tolerated".
He states: "Her appointment turned out to be disastrous for Cheltenham and this council's reputation and overall she was off sick one day in every two."
Earlier this month, a clause in the employment contract of two workers at the UK Border Agency allowed executives to suspend them after it was revealed they were members of a far-right political organisation, further emphasising the importance of contract training.
