Fury at pay for Baby P social work chief

Published on Tuesday 2 December 2008 20:49

ANGRY MPs demanded last night to know why Haringey Council's former director of children's services remains on full pay despite being ousted over the Baby P tragedy.

Sharon Shoesmith was removed from her post by the government on Monday after a damning report into her department's shortcomings.

But the council, in north London, has so far only suspended her on full pay – reportedly 100,000 a year – while it processes the case.

Meanwhile, it emerged that Haringey was investigating a second incident in which a child was harmed through suspected abuse or neglect. The council said it was unconnected to Baby P's death and confirmed an independent review was under way.

David Cameron led calls for Ms Shoesmith to be sacked as soon as possible. The Tory leader said: "If they failed then they failed, and they shouldn't be kept on full pay. They shouldn't be rewarded for that failure.

"It's good that some of the people have been named and been suspended, but we still have a lot to do to get to the bottom of what really happened and to learn all the lessons."

Inspectors were sent into Haringey last month after the trial of those responsible for 17-month-old Baby P's death. The release of their report on Monday led to two senior councillors resigning, three managers being suspended and three social workers being taken off child protection duties.