A social worker claimed today he lost his job after threatening to 'blow the whistle' on alleged malpractice at Bradford Council.

Steve Hayes, pictured, alleged he was victimised after asking awkward questions. His claims were due to be heard by an employment tribunal at Leeds today.

But Bradford Council and Reed employment agency are expected to defend the case by claiming Mr Hayes' suspension without pay in July for "unprofessional conduct" was justified.

Mr Hayes, 43, of Shipley, a former Open University lecturer, was placed with Bradford Social Services by the Reed Social Care employment agency.

He claims his first few months as a child-protection worker were uneventful and bosses at the council were satisfied with his work. His placement was extended last January. But the following month he says he fell out with managers after writing a memo saying a child's case had been mishandled and rules had not been followed.

He alleges he was told there would be no probe into the matter so he invoked the City Hall 'whistleblowing' procedure by writing to Gerry Danby, legal and democratic services director.

The case concerned a 12-year-old boy in care who missed his mother and visited her, without telling his foster parents.

"The process is important," Mr Hayes said. "If they don't behave according to the rule of law, state power isn't legitimate."

He added: "I never questioned anybody's judgement. My concern was people had behaved in a manner that was unethical, unprofitable and illegal."

A spokesman for Bradford Council said no comment could be made in advance of the employment tribunal hearing.