A FORMER Trafford Council welfare rights adviser who helped expose the council’s unlawful council tax reduction scheme is bringing an employment tribunal claim alleging he was unfairly dismissed for whistleblowing.

Alex Jolley worked for Trafford Council as a benefits advice officer for almost 10 years before his dismissal in January 2026.

He raised concerns internally that Trafford’s 2025-26 Council Tax Reduction Scheme was unlawfully double-counting income for some universal credit claimants, before referring affected residents to specialist lawyers when his concerns went unaddressed.

Two residents subsequently brought a judicial review and the High Court ruled in 2025 that the scheme was unlawful.

Mr Jolley was suspended in April 2025 after helping clients access legal advice, before being dismissed for gross misconduct following disciplinary proceedings.

He said: “I believe I was punished for doing what my role required me to do.”

His lawyer, Ryan Bradshaw of Leigh Day, said: “The law is clear that workers should not be subjected to disciplinary action or dismissal because they make protected disclosures in the public interest.

“Alex’s case will seek to ensure this important law is upheld.”

The council was approached for comment on the claims.