Glasgow East Women's Aid 'deeply saddened' to close amid bullying allegations

A domestic abuse charity says it is “deeply saddened” to close amid allegations of bullying.

Glasgow East Women’s Aid has announced on its website that it will close permanently and is working with outside organisations as it winds down.

The move comes after staff voted to strike last year amid claims of bullying, suspensions and the “unfair” dismissal of employees.

Unite the Union confirmed in November that every member at the Easterhouse-based organisation voted to walk out following the suspension of 13 staff.

A statement on the Glasgow East Women’s Aid website read: “We are deeply saddened by the closure of the organisation.

“Our priority at this difficult time is to ensure that women and children currently supported by Glasgow East Women’s Aid continue to receive the help and support they need, and that those who may need support in the future know where to turn.

“We will continue to liaise with partners, including the regulator, Care Inspectorate, funders, and the Council, throughout this difficult time.”

The union, which represents more than a dozen workers at the service, confirmed that it had launched legal action on behalf of five members dismissed by the organisation during the ballot period.

The dismissals were being claimed as unfair on the basis that it is specifically linked to their trade union activities.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said in November: “Unite will not tolerate any of our members at Glasgow East Women’s Aid being targeted and dismissed due to raising legitimate concerns about their workplace.

“These dismissals shockingly took place during an industrial action ballot, and there is no doubt this move was designed to undermine the ballot process.

“Unite has launched unfair dismissal claims on behalf of our five members.

“Be in no doubt we will be holding the organisation’s management to account for its disgraceful behaviour and potentially illegal attitude to its staff.”

Women and children who need support should contact Glasgow Women’s Aid on 0141 553 2022 or the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234.

In a crisis situation, 999 should be called.