A south east housing association drawn into allegations of construction-related fraud and corruption at an ongoing employment tribunal has concluded that no wrong-doing occurred.
One Housing Group last month launched an internal investigation into suspicions raised by Alan Strong, a former commercial manager at Morrisons Facilities Services.
In October 2013, Strong had made whistleblowing claims alleging collusion between subcontractors, over-charging and kickbacks in relation to maintenance contracts run by Morrisons, including its deal with One Housing Group.
He then claimed he was sidelined in his job by executives from Morrisons and later Mears Group, which acquired Morrisons Facilities Services in November 2013. Following his resignation, he brought a claim of constructive dismissal against Mears Group.
The tribunal was halted in January to allow a court-appointed IT expert to examine email records presented in evidence by both sides. For more details, see our previous story here.
But One Housing Group has already concluded its own investigation into Strong’s claims, and failed to find any evidence of fraud, over-charging by Morrisons, or misconduct by any of its staff.
In a press release, the housing association said: “On being made aware of these allegations, One Housing Group immediately instructed its lawyers and auditors to carry out an independent investigation. One staff member was also temporarily suspended to help ensure the integrity of the investigation.
“The investigation included a thorough review of contracts and invoices for the period concerned and interviews with key figures including Mears (which acquired Morrisons in 2012), our own staff and Mr Strong and his legal representative. Neither the legal team or auditors has found any evidence to support these allegations and the suspended staff member has now returned to work.”
John Gregory, group director of housing services, said: “We’re pleased to be able to say that Mr Strong’s claims of corruption at One Housing Group are totally without substance. However, it’s deeply regrettable that Mr Strong has sought to damage our reputation and particularly that of our employees as part of his dispute with his former employer.”
Further evidence is due to be heard at the Central London Employment Tribunal on 21 March.
