A SOCIAL worker-turned-whistlebower who warned ministers of failings in Haringey Council's children's services is suing her former employer.

Nevres Kemal voiced concerns as early as February 2007 — five months before Baby Peter Connelly's death in August of the same year.

She claims she was forced out of her job a month later and has previously settled with the council in a case of racial discrimination.

Ms Kemal is now suing the council after they refused to interview her for a position she applied for during its national recruitment campaign in April.

The social worker claims the snub is persecution for going public with her criticism and is suing the council on grounds of "victimisation".

Her lawyer, Lawrence Davies of law firm Equal Justice, said: "We acknowledge she did speak to the press but she was whistleblowing. This prompted an Ofsted investigation which was a good thing.

"I am confident we will win."

Council lawyers made an attempt to have Ms Kemal's claim struck out at Watford employment tribunal earlier this month but the court ruled she had an "arguable case".

In a statement, Haringey Council said: "We are confident that the strength of our case will be clear at the substantive tribunal.

"We do not believe that the initial decision weakens that case and will comment further after the hearing."

17-month-old Peter Connelly died from injuries sustained over a months of abuse at the hands of his mother Tracey Connelly, 28, her boyfriend Stephen Barker, 33, both of Tottenham, and his brother Jason Owen, 38, of Bromley.