ABERDEEN SOCIAL WORKER WITH TROUBLING PAST HIRED DESPITE ALLEGATIONS
A social worker named Michael Johnstone, who resigned amid allegations of misconduct, was nonetheless employed by Aberdeen’s children and families team despite a troubling background.He had previously been suspended from Dundee City Council and had refused to give proper references; his former employer also declined to provide references following his departure.
The misconduct claims originated when a 15-year-old girl in Aberdeen, who had been under his supervision, reported that he had made inappropriate sexual comments.
No criminal charges were brought, but Aberdeen City Council suspended him and initiated an investigation.
It was later revealed that he did not fully disclose the real reasons for leaving Dundee and had submitted a questionable reference from a union representative who was not his former supervisor.
Despite these issues, he was recruited for a position in Aberdeen, which raised concerns and led to demands for stricter vetting procedures.
He attended a disciplinary hearing but resigned ahead of a decision.
His claim of unfair dismissal was dismissed by an employment tribunal because he resigned voluntarily before being formally dismissed, claiming mistreatment by the council.
The incident drew criticism from MSPs about the adequacy of the council’s background checks and vetting measures.
