Councillor banned from contacting South Tyneside Homes staff in person or by telephone

Councillor John Robertson has been told he can only communicate with South Tyneside Homes via email.

It follows complaints made by staff representatives about Coun Robertson’s previous interactions with workers.

A spokesperson for South Tyneside Homes said: “South Tyneside Homes’ Management, in discharging its duty of care to its employees, has taken the decision to restrict all communications with the individual to email only.

“This follows a number of serious concerns that have been raised, including by the Trade Unions, in respect of his dealings and communications with staff at South Tyneside Homes.

“We will not be commenting further on this matter at this time.”

At a meeting of South Tyneside Council’s Jarrow and Boldon Community Area Forum (CAF) earlier this month (September 10), Coun Robertson was told he would not be allowed to put questions to representatives of South Tyneside Homes (STH) ‘directly’.

When contacted, Coun Robertson, who was elected to represent Jarrow’s Fellgate and Hedworth ward in 2019, declined to comment.

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