Brighton binman accused of homophobia says he was sacked for belonging to UKIP
A Brighton binman accused of writing homophobic comments on a staff poster has said: “I just want to get this resolved”.
Des Jones will challenge the allegations at a pending tribunal.
The 64-year-old was dismissed by council-run Cityclean in August last year and believes his status as a UKIP member was a factor in the allegations surfacing.
The Argus reports Mr Jones was sacked after being accused of writing three homophobic comments on a poster advertising LGBT mentoring in a staff canteen.
He appeared at a hearing in Croydon a week ago and the tribunal has now been set for three days in October.
Brighton and Hove City Council Chief Executive Penny Thompson and other council officials will be called to give evidence.
Mr Jones first began work as a Brighton refuge collector in 1975.
He claims the stress brought on from the accusations led him to contemplate suicide.
“The irony is that I was going for reinstatement to my role but by the time this is all over I will have reached retirement,” he said.
“It’s been an absolute nightmare and I just want to get this resolved and move on.”
He is seeking £20,000 in lost wages and bonuses as well as recovering his full pension entitlement and to “clear his good name”.
Stuart Bower, a former police officer and UKIP parliamentary candidate is advising Mr Jones.
He said: “We want to ask Penny Thompson why the council is continuing to fight this?
“With a three day hearing, I estimate that 50 Brighton and Hove residents might just as well put their council tax in the fire for what it will cost the taxpayer.”
