Homeless, jobless and penniless: protester makes stand in Royal Square

Tuesday 26 January 2016

A former school support worker who says that bullying has left him homeless, jobless and penniless is protesting in the Royal Square.

For the past two days, Marco Orlandini (46) has been sitting against the statue of George II covered in a blanket alongside two signs: one explaining his predicament, the other calling for "justice".

Jersey-born Mr Orlandini, a father of four, believes that he was bullied out of his job, which led to him losing his home and family and suffering mental illness.

“I am not begging but I want to raise awareness,” he said. “I had a great job but this is what happens when a situation is allowed to escalate. People need to stand up to bullying and tackle it at its source. My mental health has suffered and I’ve been without a home since last March. Just because you don’t see it every day doesn’t mean that it isn't happening.”

Mr Orlandini has received help from the States and Andium Homes but he is critical of the pace and efficiency of the system.

“It's only by kicking up a fuss and making a noise that people tend to listen, and that can’t be right,” he said. “I don’t want to be a burden; I want to rebuild my life and return to my family. I want justice, not just for myself but anyone who has or is being bullied.”

A spokesman for the Education Department commented: "We would like to reassure people that we take bullying and harassment very seriously. Obviously we cannot discuss the personal circumstances of any of our employees but we do take steps to support members of staff if they experience difficulties at work."

Although the States aren’t sitting this week, Deputy Terry McDonald was one Member who spoke to Mr Orlandini during a break in a Scrutiny panel hearing. The St Saviour Deputy said he would look into the case.