The British Council has appealed a tribunal decision to “re-engage” Paul Sellers, the former head of the British Council in Italy.
An employment tribunal found that he had been unfairly dismissed, and that Sellers was fired after claims he sexually assaulted a female British embassy worker.
The tribunal noted two allegations of misconduct. The first was that the claimant had kissed the person on the mouth. The second was that he had “moved both his hands down her breasts in a deliberate and sexual manner.”
It reads: “It is common ground that he was not dismissed for allegation one. It is clear that the allegation of sexual touching was the alleged misconduct relied on when dismissing.”
The tribunal upheld Seller’s claim of unfair dismissal after it found “serious flaws” in the charity’s investigation.
A tribunal has now ordered the charity “re-engage” Sellers, with his remuneration ordered at around £70,000 a year. It adds “the claimant’s rights and privileges should be restored as if the dismissal had not taken effect”.
The tribunal also reads “that it is not appropriate to order reinstatement to the specific role” in Italy.
As well as the salary, the tribunal states Sellers could receive around £300,000 – a basic award of £14,175 and a further £282,603.40 for lost wages.
A British Council spokesperson said: “The British Council is deeply disappointed by the judge’s ruling and has submitted an appeal.”
