Solidarity member Mark Walker has lost  his case for unfair dismissal. A judgement against Mark was issued by a Newcastle Employment Tribunal last month after a four-day hearing. Mr Walker was represented by Pat Harrington of Solidarity. The employer was represented by Barrister Edward Legard. Full reasons have not yet been published by the Tribunal.

Mr Walker, 39, was suspended from Sunnydale school, in Shildon, County Durham, in March 2007. He was the subject of a political witch hunt. Mark Walker was eventually sacked on grounds of ill-health by the Employer after a botched disciplinary process lasting over two years which was  never actually concluded.

The Union is waiting to see the full judgement and considering other legal moves against the employer.

Mr Harrington commented:- "Mark was able to find alternative employment working for a Member of the European Parliament. The Union has worked with him to ensure that he has been able to survive financially and that attempts to blacken his name with smear tactics are resisted. The politically motivated attempt to destroy Mark Walker has failed. We shall continue to press for Justice for our Union Brother regardless of setbacks."