Coaches Union Boycotts Cambridge Club following Dismissal

The British Swimming Coaches & Teachers Association (BSCTA), part of the giant GMB - Britain's General Union, have today notified its membership to boycott the Coaching Position at the City of Cambridge Swimming Club, following the controversial dismissal of their Head Coach, Tim Westlake, last night.

Mr Westlake has been in post since October 1998, and has proved to have been a successful acquisition for the Club, but internal politics have led to a series of informal complaints allegedly being made against him. None of these were ever put to Mr Westlake, hence he has never been in a position to rebutt or reply to them. More recently, the Club Committee, and in particular the Club Chairman, Mike Haynes, has sought to bully him into accepting a new contract, without informing him of the terms or allowing him a representative at any meetings which they wished to have to discuss these matters. Mr Westlake as a professional coach, declined such meetings without his professional representative in attendance.

A Committee meeting was held last night (Monday 12th January), including members who had resigned before Christmas, namely John Harradine, Graham Laudain & John Cochrane, where the decision to terminate Mr Westlake's contract forthwith, was made. It should be noted that we are led to believe that this 'was not' a unanimous decision.

Brian McGuinness, BSCTA National Organiser, stated today, "This is very disappointing and disturbing. We have sought for several months to be involved in meetings between Mr Westlake and his employer, but they have made it very clear that he is not to have a representative, and that he must meet the Committee alone. If that's not bullying what is. We will be making a claim to the Employment Tribunal with regard to the actions of the Committee, and are considering other legal options at this time. Our members are being notified of our position and will show solidarity with their coaching colleague, Mr Westlake, by not seeking to benefit from his misfortune. As of today, the City of Cambridge Swimming Club, is blacklisted by the BSCTA. This matter can be resolved however by all parties, including the BSCTA, getting round the table to resolve the matter amicably, and discussing the issues in a professional fashion."

- END -

Notes for Editors: The BSCTA represents professional swimming coaches throughout the UK, at all levels, including all international coaching staff on International teams, through to grass root coaches.

For further information contact Brian McGuinness on 0121 550 4888 or 07711 628722 or Tim Westlake on 07775 770174.

Brian McGuinness
BSCTA/GMB National Organiser
WSCA Board Member
GMB Regional Organiser
Will Thorne House
2 Birmingham Road
Halesowen
W. MIDLANDS
Great Britain
B63 3HP
Tel: +(44) 121 550 4888
Fax:+(44) 121 550 4272
e-mail