Former council boss fired after suffering PTSD following Grenfell disaster successfully sues employer

A disabled former council boss who suffered from PTSD following the Grenfell Tower fire has successfully sued a London council for firing her.

Rachel Wright-Turner developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) when supporting residents impacted by the fire.

She was previously in charge of children’s services at Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City councils.

But when she changed roles to director of public services at Hammersmith and Fulham council in 2018 she was wrongly fired after mental health issues, a tribunal has found.

When she began working at Hammersmith and Fulham council, Ms Wright-Turner told colleagues she suffered from ADHD and PTSD.

But her colleagues did not believe her when she explained she had ADHD.

Ms Wright-Turner had a mental breakdown in front of her colleagues and was put on sick leave.

She was then fired while on sick leave and not given the chance to appeal against the decision.

With the help of lawyers Slater and Gordon, Ms Wright-Turner won an employment tribunal against Hammersmith and Fulham council.

The authority is now expected to have to pay her a “significant sum” after a hearing to decide the reward, which will take place at a later date.

Ms Wright-Turner said: “The last three years have been a living nightmare for myself, my children and my family.

“I am relieved with the judgement and the truth can now begin to be more widely understood.

“While the implications of the tribunal’s conclusion are devastating, it is fair and they deserve every word of it.

“I would like to thank each and every member of my superb legal team, past and present, who have not only done a stellar job managing my case successfully but who have continuously been a real personal support throughout.”

A Hammersmith and Fulham council spokeswoman said: “We are disappointed and fundamentally disagree with the tribunal’s judgement.

“We are studying it carefully and considering our options.”

Pictured: Rachel with her children Sebastian, left, and Zachary