A SOUTHEND social worker has been accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a social service user.

Julie Bradley will face a hearing on Monday at the health and care professions tribunal service, set to last five days, to determine the outcome of the claims.

Mrs Bradley was working for Southend Council as a social worker at the time of the incidents.

She was initially handed an interim order and suspended on January 5 last year.

As well as having a sexual relationship with a service user, Mrs Bradley is also accused of sharing a photo of the same service user, and made contact with a service user despite having direct written instructions not to do so - dating back to August 2017.

It has been claimed that her misconduct has impaired her fitness to practise.

The allegations against Mrs Bradley read: "Whilst employed at Southend Council in the capacity of a Social Worker, you engaged in an inappropriate sexual relationship with Service User A.

"Shared a photo of Service User A holding Child A with Person 1.

"You made contact with Service User against direct instructions provided in a letter from your employer dated 24 August 2017.

"On 26th September 2017, you were verbally abusive and/or threatened Person 2.

"The matters set out in paragraphs 1 - 4 constitute misconduct.

"By reason of your misconduct your fitness to practise is impaired."

Her hearing will take place in front of the conduct and competence committee on Monday.

Four hearings took place throughout 2018, one in front of the investigating committee then three more with the conduct and competence committee.

Each hearing has resulted in an interim suspension for Mrs Bradley.