Kate Bleasdale, who was sacked from Healthcare Locums Plc (HLO:LSE), the beleaguered specialist health and social care staffing firm which suspended trading in its shares in January amid major financial irregularities, is suing the crippled company at an employment tribunal for 6 million Pounds citing unfair dismissal and sexual discrimination, The Evening Standard newspaper reports.

The former nurse also claims she was punished for being a whistle-blower. A close associate told the Evening Standard, "the law states whistle-blowers should be protected, not punished for their actions. When Kate discovered all was not right, she went straight to the board.”

"What happened was not her fault so she's just lodged a claim in the City of London tribunal. Her reputation has been trashed. She wants to stand up at that tribunal and tell everybody exactly what really happened."

Bleasdale has not finally quantified her claim, but the associate familiar with the case said she felt she was owed about 3 million Pounds for losing her entrepreneurs' tax relief on her 12% stake in the company.

She is also seeking about 3 million Pounds more for lost future earnings associated with having had her reputation besmirched. "She's going for every penny she's owed," said the associate.

A spokesman for Healthcare Locums confirmed the legal action and said: "We are more than a little surprised by Ms. Bleasdale's claims. We are confident of defending our position if we need to."

Bleasdale, who is being represented by City lawyers SJ Berwin, declined to comment to the Evening Standard.

Healthcare Locums is already being sued by investors in the company.

HCL's shares are still suspended following the investigation into accounting irregularities. As of last trade, HCL's shares traded at 112.50 Pence, +29.31% above the 52 week low of 87 Pence set on 17 December 2010.