A second social work manager has been sacked by a south Wales local authority in a long-running dispute over whistle-blowing.

Neil White was fired after he refused to discipline a domestic at a council-run home in Cardiff, who alleged elderly residents at the home had been mistreated.

Mr White refused to discipline a whistle-blower

Four months ago another manager, Charles Faber, was sacked after raising concerns in a BBC Wales documentary about the effect on vulnerable children of staff shortages in the social services department.

Mr White, who has been suspended for nearly a year, is to take his case to an industrial tribunal.

His union, the British Union of Social Work Employees, has described the action by Cardiff council as disgraceful.

Mr White was sacked on Friday. He had refused to discipline fellow union member Beverley Bush.

Ms Bush was the first to reveal concerns about the way old people were being treated at the council home, Hazlecroft, in the Fairwater area of the city.

Beverley Bush raised concerns about elderly care

Several staff were disciplined, suspended or sacked before the 37-bed home closed earlier this year.

The sacking is the latest stage of a continuing dispute involving Cardiff social services and some of its staff.

Mr Faber was sacked earlier this year after taking part in a BBC Wales documentary highlighting concerns over shortages of staff in childcare.

He claimed that youngsters had ended up on the streets, falling prey to drugs, drink and paedophiles and that a child could die unless more resources and staff were brought in.

The council is bracing itself for a critical report due to be published next month from the Audit Commission and the assembly's social services inspectorate.

Charles Faber was suspended and later sacked

It is understood to have identified many weaknesses in the delivery, planning and monitoring of social care in what is Wales's largest local authority.

A spokesman for Cardiff council said the local authority was unable to comment on Mr White's case while he may be appealing his dismissal and considering the possibility of a tribunal.

He said the council was already considering organisational changes as a result of the Audit Commission report.