Introduction

Tommy Sheridan Claims Political Bias Behind Job Rejection by Glasgow Council

Former MSP and prominent socialist figure Tommy Sheridan has accused Glasgow City Council of victimising him due to his political history and views after he was denied a job as a social worker. Sheridan, who served time in prison for perjury, claims the decision was unfair and politically motivated, particularly due to his gender-critical stance and long-standing opposition to the Scottish National Party (SNP).

According to reports, the council’s Health and Social Care Partnership informed Sheridan that his past conviction would result in the automatic rejection of any future job applications. The decision has prompted Sheridan to pursue legal action at Scotland’s Court of Session, where he is challenging the council’s refusal on the grounds that it breaches the principles of rehabilitation.

Sheridan, who has completed a two-year master’s degree in social work from Glasgow Caledonian University, believes his lived experience — including his time in prison and upbringing in a working-class community — makes him uniquely qualified to work with disadvantaged youth in the criminal justice system.

Despite his qualifications and clearance from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), which regulates the profession, the council cited an “unacceptable level of risk” due to Sheridan’s 2011 perjury conviction. That conviction followed a high-profile legal battle involving the News of the World newspaper, which resulted in a three-year prison sentence.

Sheridan argued that his conviction, now 15 years old, should not be held against him — especially given the extensive vetting process he already passed through to qualify for the profession. He expressed his frustration over the rejection, saying, “I feel as though I did everything right. I retrained, I studied, I worked hard. I got the qualification and then they’ve turned around and said, ‘no, we’re not going to employ you’.”

The former MSP suggested that the rejection was influenced not only by his criminal record but also by his gender-critical views, which conflict with the policies of the SNP-led council. “I believe in biology, I believe in science,” Sheridan said. “Now, those are gender-critical views that Glasgow City Council SNP group don’t agree with. So I’ve got no doubt in my mind that that’s part of the package.”

In response, Glasgow City Council strongly denied that Sheridan’s views on transgender rights played any role in the employment decision. A spokesperson clarified that hiring decisions are operational and do not involve elected officials. Their legal team argued in court that the council acted lawfully and within its rights to refuse employment on the basis of safeguarding concerns.

Sheridan, who previously led the Scottish Socialist Party and played a key role in the anti-Poll Tax movement, has indicated that he plans to re-enter the political arena. He is now seeking selection as a candidate for the Alba Party in the upcoming Scottish parliamentary elections. He said his rejection has reignited his desire to fight for justice, equality, and independence in Scotland.

As he awaits a ruling from Lord Young on his legal challenge, Sheridan remains firm in his belief that he is being unfairly blacklisted. His lawyer maintains that the council’s decision contradicts the assessments made by the SSSC and should be overturned.