£500,000 Cost of NHS Legal Fight

The latest chapter in a bitter legal row between the North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust and a nurse has seen £500,000 of taxpayers’ money allegedly spent. Eddie Bone’s solicitor claims the Trust has “shelled out” this sum during a protracted Employment Tribunal and appeal process.

Case Background

Mr Bone, a dedicated nurse and prominent member of the Workers of England Union (WEU), first brought claims against the Trust in 2011. He argued that he was:

• “Marginalised” and “socially ostracised” for his WEU activities
• Subjected to bullying and harassment by representatives of the larger Unison union
• Accused—without apology—of bigotry following a “hello Adolf” remark

Mr Bone’s complaints included allegations of race discrimination and union persecution. The original tribunal upheld his claim of persecution for trade union activities but rejected the race discrimination claims. The Employment Appeal Tribunal overturned the ruling in 2014, only for Mr Bone to succeed in his appeal earlier this month.

Legal Costs Breakdown

According to Mr Bone’s solicitor, Robin Tillbrook, the proceedings involved:

• A seven-day tribunal hearing
• A three- to four-day tribunal appeal hearing
• Two days at the Court of Appeal
• An upcoming hearing to assess damages

The Trust has been ordered to pay legal costs on two occasions, amounting to £30,000 each time. Yet, the Trust disputes the £500,000 figure, calling it “wildly inaccurate.” A spokesperson explained that the Trust has defended six claims since 2011, and only the bullying and harassment finding—which related to Unison, not the Trust—was upheld.

Trust’s Position

The North Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust states:

“None of Mr Bone’s race discrimination allegations were upheld. The Tribunal’s finding of bullying and harassment was against Unison, not against the Trust. A further two claims, including race discrimination allegations, remain to be heard.”

For more on this dispute, see our in-depth article on the £500,000 cost of NHS legal fight.