A MAJOR victory for trade union rights was scored yesterday after the trust that sacked NHS whistleblower and Unison rep Charlotte Monro offered her her job back.

Ms Monro was awaiting the judgement of an employment tribunal over her alleged unfair dismissal in October 2013, but Barts Health NHS Trust moved to reinstate her before the judgement was delivered.

She had been sacked from her job as moving and handling co-ordinator at Whipps Cross hospital over an alleged breach of confidentiality and undisclosed convictions from 30 years ago.

However Ms Monro maintained throughout that the real reason for her dismissal was her role as a trade union rep, standing up for fellow workers and the hospital itself.

The move to dismiss her only began after she spoke to the local council scrutiny committee.

During the recent employment tribunal hearing Judge Jonathan Ferris criticised the trust for its inability to produce key documents as evidence.

Ms Monro, who says she is “really happy” to be returning to work with the team at the hospital, said: “Health staff must be able to speak out for their patients and services without fear.

“They must be free to organise themselves in trade unions and stand as representatives knowing that their rights as a union rep will be respected and that the role of an independent union campaigning for the interests of the staff, their patients and services is also respected.

“These were the issues at the heart of my case. Its resolution will I hope contribute to building a climate of openness and confidence so needed in our health service.”

A statement from Barts Trust confirmed it had invited Ms Monro to return to employment at Whipps Cross.

The statement reads: “The trust values Charlotte’s long professional contribution over many years to standards of patient care and to patient and staff safety.

“Charlotte Monro is an energetic and committed campaigner on patient care issues in the NHS, and the trust welcomes the contribution which Charlotte will undoubtedly be able to make to the discussion about ensuring Whipps Cross’s future.”

Ms Monro thanked her union Unison for its support in taking her case to a tribunal as well as its “highly committed” legal team.

She added: “I have been moved and inspired by the support from colleagues, from health campaigners and fellow trade unionists and so many other people.

“Together we are standing up for what we believe in and this has made all the difference. Let’s continue to do so for the future of our NHS.”