THE CASE of Andrew Murray, a former business studies lecturer at Cricklade College, in Andover, Hampshire, has became a national cause celebre for further education staff.
Mr Murray, who was a senior negotiator for NATFHE, the lecturers’ union, helped to disclose financial irregularities at the college, which led to the Fraud Squad being called in.
The principal was suspended and then sacked for “bringing the college into disrepute,” although his integrity and honesty had not been questioned.
Mr Murray and two colleagues were sacked. NATFHE insists that it was Mr Murray’s role as a whistleblower that led to his dismissal, and has called upon David Blunkett, the Education Secretary, to institute an inquiry.
The college insists the dismissals were for redundancy, made for legitimate reasons, and had nothing to do with whistleblowing. There have been national demonstrations, short of strike action, by NATFHE members.
