Professor loses job claim

A UNIVERSITY boffin, who told an employment tribunal that he lost his job after "blowing the whistle" on alleged drug- dealing and theft in his department, has today lost his claim for constructive dismissal.

A UNIVERSITY boffin, who told an employment tribunal that he lost his job after "blowing the whistle" on alleged drug- dealing and theft in his department, has today lost his claim for constructive dismissal.

Dr Michael Gell, 48, formerly of Mayfield Lane, Martlesham Heath, was the former head of the University of Derby's school of computing and technology.

Gell made a string of accusations against the university during a 13-day hearing at a Nottingham employment tribunal last October and December.

The allegations included a member of staff stealing equipment to feed a heroin addiction, non-attendance at lectures by staff, and being followed in his car by an unknown person.

Today Gell has been ordered to pay an initial £1,313 costs to the higher education institution. He will also have to pay "costs unnecessarily incurred" which are yet to be finalised.

It is understood the institution has spent more than of £190,000 defending the case.

The tribunal panel judgement said: "The tribunal considered Mr Gell's evidence to be unreliable.

"Accordingly, taking all matters into consideration, the tribunal has unanimously concluded that the university did not breach Mr Gell's contract of employment, entitling him to resign and claim that he was constructively dismissed."

Gell became ill with stress on March 17, 2003, and offered his resignation on March 29, 2003. His contract was terminated on June 30, 2003.