Union boss Simpson accused of jibe at Jews
© The Mail on Sunday
Sunday 6 February 2005

by Jonathan Oliver

One of Britain's top trade unions was last night torn by allegations of anti-Semitism. Derek Simpson, general secretary of the country's biggest private sector union Amicus, faces claims he said: 'Wherever there's a rip-off, there's a Jew.'

But last night Mr Simpson denied making anti-Semitic remarks and insisted he had a long track record as a campaigner against racism.

The allegation is being made by Amicus deputy general secretary Lucy Kelly, who is Jewish and currently suspended from her £80,000-a-year post over claims she co-ordinated a cover-up of a financial scandal.

Mrs Kelly, who has multiple sclerosis, is being investigated over claims she was in charge of hiding a complex scam which cost the union up to £130,000. But she claims she has been the victim of both racial and sexual discrimination.

The row is the latest twist in a complex, factional feud which has long dogged the trade union. Yesterday a friend of Mrs Kelly said she is preparing an unfair dismissal action against Mr Simpson if she is sacked. The friend said: 'She would have a strong case against Derek. She has overheard him making a number of disparaging remarks about Jewish people. On one occasion she heard him at a private dinner complain about the cost of something and then say "Where ever there's a rip-off there's a Jew".'

But last night Mr Simpson told The Mail on Sunday: 'I deny ever saying that. I am committed to the fight against racism and anti-semitism.' He was a regional official in South Yorkshire until he won the leadership, and added: 'In my time in there, I was chair of the Sheffield campaign against racism and during my time as general secretary of both the AEEU and of Amicus I have directed considerable amounts of money towards anti-racist organisations. I am deeply saddened to hear of these allegations.'

The investigation into Mrs Kelly's conduct relates to the long-running scandal involving Roger Lyons, former head of the Manufacturing, Science and Finance union - now merged with Amicus.

Mr Lyons was accused of 'siphoning' money from union funds and of making lavish expense claims. He was later cleared of all charges. However union investigators have discovered officials put aside up to £130,000 in accounts in the name of local branches which did not exist - and Mrs Kelly is accused of helping mastermind the apparent deception.

Links

Why trade unions fail their members, especially in the public sector: workbully/public.htm

Amicus officials under the spotlight: http://www.amicus.cc/

Amicus given £1 million of taxpayers' money to conduct bullying study: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3563041.stm