A SOCIAL worker who lost her dream job through an unfair reference has secured a £36,000 payout.

Hazel Merriott-Brown, 35, from Shotley Bridge, County Durham, failed to secure a post as a family court advisor as a result of her former supervisor's reference.

Following an out-of-court settlement, she was offered the compensation with the support of her trade union, Unison, and Thompsons Solicitors.

Ms Merriott-Brown, who worked in a children and families team at South Tyneside Borough Council, applied for a job as a family court advisor and was successful at interview.

However, the job offer was subject to attaining a second reference, which was requested from her employers.

Ms Merriott-Brown said her line manager was absent from work when she had to nominate a referee.

She said: "I named my former supervisor as the council referee. Then I was shocked to find that the reference was extremely negative and raised concerns about my performance."

She said the concerns had never been raised with her and, as a result, the job offer was withdrawn.

She said: "I am relieved that I have been exonerated, but I now feel that my career has had to move in a completely new direction."

Jim Musgrove, of Unison, said: "We are very pleased with the settlement Hazel Merriott-Brown has secured from South Tyneside Council.

"The amount she received reflects the distress, suffering and extreme embarrassment which she was made to endure. It led to her taking over six months off sick with stress-related anxiety."

Mick Laffey, from Thompsons Solicitors, said: "Stress cases like this are unfortunately very common and we are pleased that, in Hazel's case, the council has been held to account.

"Her compensation reflects the difference in her pay while she was off sick with stress following this incident, and an amount to compensate her for future losses based upon the fact that her new job would have paid better than her existing one."

A council spokeswoman said: "The matter was settled out of court and, while we would dispute some of the statements made, nothing would be gained by reopening the issues.

"However, even before legal proceedings had been started, the council had investigated the matter internally and had apologised to Ms Merriott-Brown.

"The council had recognised that the opportunity to resolve any issues should have been formally offered before views were expressed within a reference."