Franco Villani, 56 (Image: Franco Villani / SWNS)
An NHS worker labelled as a ‘wasp’ in need of ‘swatting’ by his superiors has triumphed at a tribunal, securing £10,000 for the distress he suffered.
The ordeal saw Franco Villani, 56, a maintenance staff and health and safety union representative, endure deliberate taunts by management at York Teaching Hospitals Facilities Management, which aimed to derail his union involvement.
An employment tribunal in November 2024 heard details of derogatory remarks and an email from June 2023 where electrical services manager Nigel Watkinson wrote: “that wasp needs swatting! ! ! !” after Mr Villani requested a private meeting with a safety inspector.
Furthermore, in June 14, 2023, following a discovery by a gas safety technician of a faulty ventilation system, Mr Villani warned of the risk of a ‘serious accident’, fearing staff might ‘pass out’.
Don’t miss…
Additional evidence revealed managers had urged employees to file complaints against Mr Villani in September 2023, to deter him from reporting safety issues.
Then, in November, estates officer Sarah Goldsmith exploded in a verbal tirade towards the veteran NHS employee, accusing him of being universally disliked and causing frustration among the staff.
Following this incident, Mr Villani took more than a month off due to illness.
Mr Villani was awarded a hefty £10,000 in compensation for the distress and harm he suffered. The tribunal concluded that the management’s language revealed an intention to suppress his union activities rather than address any genuine workplace issues, with a desire to “clip the claimant’s wings”.
He expressed his disappointment, stating: “It saddens me that I have had to go through this process to protect the hospital patients, visitors and staff.”
He further added, “The unacceptable treatment that I have been subjected to has had a detrimental effect on me.”
…
Unite the Union voiced concerns over the fact that Mr Villani’s direct line manager, who was involved in the ‘wasp’ email exchange, remains in his role.
Neil Guss, an employment lawyer at Thompsons Solicitors, who represented Mr Villani, commented: “This case highlights the inappropriate and detrimental treatment of a dedicated union representative who was simply carrying out his duties.
“The judgment reinforces the vital protections that trade union representatives rely on. Our client was targeted simply for ensuring workplace safety, and instead of being supported, he was intimidated. The Tribunal rightly found these actions unlawful.”
A spokesperson for York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust responded by saying: “The Trust accepts the Tribunal’s outcome, and we apologise to Mr Villani for his experience in this case.
“We maintain productive relationships with all our trade unions and professional bodies, and the incident described does not reflect the broader, constructive working relationships we have with them.”