Social worker struck off for lewdremarks
A SOCIAL worker who made inappropriate sexual comments to a colleague has been struck off
homas Livingstone made a string of lewd comments towards his colleague, identified only as “ZZ” in official documents, while working for South Lanarkshire Council from 2015 to 2016.
A six-day hearing of the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) in Dundee last month, revealed Mr Livingstone – who went on to work for Glasgow City Council following his dismissal – had once kissed ZZ when they knew each other previously.
He believed they had “unfinished business” when they began working together seven years later, adding he wished they had taken their relationship further and made comments about her figure.
While driving to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital he described ZZ as “eye candy” and made comment on the appearances of she and two other colleagues.
SSSC documents detailing the charges state that on or around October 20, 2015, while accompanying ZZ on a visit to a service user’s home he made comments about her figure.
He also made obscene and detailed comments to her about his sexual fantasies.
The documents add that Livingstone also: “[Stood] inappropriately close to ZZ in the service user’s home. Your actions...made ZZ feel uncomfortable.
He also told a colleague he would “bend [another employee] over the printer”.
On August 15, 2015 and July 5, 2016, Mr Livingstone was also charged with three counts of shoplifting from Silverburn’s Tesco, Debenhams and TK Maxx to a total of £335.03.
He did not inform his employer of the charges against him.
The charges state he was removed from the council in November 2016 but did not inform the SSSC of his dismissal.
Detailing the reasons the SSSC decided to strike Mr Livingston from the record, it said: “Your behaviour was very serious and constituted a pattern of premeditated and deliberate acts with no concern for the possible consequences.
“It involved a significant breach of trust. You have demonstrated a persistent lack of insight into the possible consequences of your actions.”
It added: “Your actions demonstrate a serious disregard for your duties and responsibilities as a social service worker.”
A spokesman for South Lanarkshire Council said: “It would be inappropriate to comment further.”
Glasgow City Council did not comment.