Deputy Head Teacher at the Bishopton and Redmarshall Primary School, Geoff Hetherington, contacted a bullying helpline because of the behaviour of the Headteacher Gill Wray.

Mr Hetherington was subsequently diagnosed as suffering from depression and work related stress, and after 18 months off work sick was sacked for being unfit for work.

After taking his claim to a tribunal, Mr Hetherington has now been awarded £15,142 compensation for unfair dismissal and breach of contract, and the Telegraph reports that he is considering a personal injury claim in the civil courts.

49-year-old Mr Hetherington told the tribunal, "I really tried to do what she wanted, but it became clear that nothing would please her. I believe that she just wanted me out. It reached the point where I would dread the sound of Mrs Wray's footsteps in the corridor. She would walk in the classroom unannounced and sit there making notes. I used to like to talk to parents at the school gate but she called this idle chit-chat."

HR practitioners and trainers wanting general information on bullying should visit the workplace bullying site