Thomas Bridge 29 August 2014

Council worker sacked over ‘sizzling’ romantic novel

A council employee who penned a racy novel has been sacked from her role in a children’s centre after complaints from parents.

Bettina Bunte had worked as a temporary employee at the site for four years yet was asked to leave by Kent County Council following the release of her self-published novel The Lost Soul.

The 427-page book follows an affair between a schoolgirl and a married lab technician called Lom, describing itself as a story of ‘lasting friendship, forbidden love and sizzling passion’.

Bunte – who wrote the novel under pseudonym Cass E Ritter – said the novel was partly based on her own experiences.

She said officials had told her that the council ‘cannot be seen to promote this sort of thing’.

‘They felt it was a problem as it had damaged the reputation by making the link between the book and children’s centre. I had applied and was offered a permanent position, which was then withdrawn and my employment was terminated,’ Bunte said.

She later accused the town hall of being ‘prudish’, stating its reaction was ‘out of proportion and judgmental’.

A Kent County Council spokesperson said: ‘Ms Bunte was employed through an agency to work at one of our children’s centres.

‘Following the publicity around her self-published novel and the issues discussed in the article, concerns were raised by staff and parents.

‘Managers met with Ms Bunte to discuss these issues and, following this meeting, continued to have concerns about her suitability to continue working at the centre.

‘It was felt that the most appropriate action was to stop her employment as agency cover. She will no longer be working for us.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MID

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - DBIT (Core) MIDFixed Term, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Social Worker - Neighbourhood Team

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum + Flexible Working, Hybrid Working
This is a part time opportunity for 22.5 hours per week. These hours will cover 3 days including a Thursday and Friday, plus one other day that can England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Markets Team Manager (Strategic Commissioning Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

School Effectiveness Partner

Essex County Council
£62725.0000 - £73793.0000 per annum
School Effectiveness PartnerPermanent, Full Time£62,725 to £73,793 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Officer - Danbury Park Community SchoolPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hourLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner