Former secretary tells tribunal that councillors were ‘nasty’ after pay row.

A FORMER employee of Aberystwyth Town Council claims she was forced from her job and suffered “intimidation”, “harassment” and “bullying”, an employment tribunal has heard.

Carole Prime, who left her post as mayor’s secretary in February this year after a period off sick with a stress-related illness, told a tribunal hearing in Aberystwyth that some members of the town council had been “nasty” towards her.

Ms Prime is claiming wrongful dismissal and constructive dismissal on a number of grounds including breach of contract, and a “failure to deal with grievances” amid a row over unpaid wages.

Ms Prime, who spent all day on the witness stand on Monday and represented herself, told the hearing that the “nasty” atmosphere towards her began after an ultimately successful battle for back-pay resolved in 2013.

“I wasn’t being greedy, I was getting what I was entitled to,” Ms Prime, who was awarded £2,152.68 in back pay following a failure to award yearly incremental rises, told the tribunal.

“Ever since then, however, they [council members] have been nasty to me.

“It was very hurtful.”

On Tuesday, former clerk Jim Griffiths, who was attending in support of Ms Prime, gave evidence.

Mr Griffiths, who was suspended on allegations of gross misconduct in September 2013, said that the council had shown a “pattern of behaviour to undermine the competency and efficiency of the staff.”

The council denies any wrongdoing and has said it has done “all it can” to help Ms Prime.

Ten town councillors are due to give evidence as the council launches it defence.

See this week’s Aberystwyth edition for the full story, in shops now or online by clicking the Digital Editions tab at the top