William Eichler 05 January 2026

Council apologises for sign language failure

Council apologises for sign language failure image
© Andrey_Popov / Shutterstock.com.

A London council has apologised after failing to find a sign language interpreter for a deaf man receiving care.

An investigation by the Local Government Ombudsman found that, despite being aware that the man was hard of hearing, there was no evidence that the council took steps to ensure his home carers had British Sign Language (BSL) skills.

A spokesperson for Hammersmith & Fulham Council said finding BSL interpreters for care homes ‘can be very difficult’ and added the council was ‘working to make sure this doesn't happen again.’

The council has agreed to pay £450 in recognition of the distress and uncertainty caused.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Social Worker

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992
Senior Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Waste Operations Support Officers

Durham County Council
£29,071 - £32,046
Temporary until 1 June 2029   Refuse and Recycling are looking for 3 Waste Operations Support Officer to work in the South and East of County Durham. Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Recovery Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 7 - £31,015 – £34,811 per annum.
Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing hoarding and self-neglect behaviours?   As an Agile Recovery Worker within o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Finance Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 7, £30,024 - £33,699 per annum. Pay award pending.
We are seeking a Finance Officer to join DurhamLearn, where you will play a key role in supporting the financial administration, budget monitoring and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Work Consultant

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356 (Pay Award Pending)
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up feeling loved, safe, and supported, with a lasting sense of family, belonging, and stability?   Are you Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner