Bullying find against head

David Gillespie’s behaviour had the effect of ”humiliating and demeaning” the staff member, the Labour Relations Agency report ruled.

The grievance against Mr Gillespie was taken by Martin Chambers, who has worked at the school for 10 years.

Mr Chambers claimed he had been bullied to the extent that he needed medical care last year and had to take time off on work-related stress.

A further six complaints against Mr Gillespie, vice-principal Laverne Inns, and member of the Board of Governors Rosalyn Bell were not upheld.

According to a union representative, the problems originated from a refusal by Mr Gillespie to provide personal protection equipment to Mr Chambers as requested by his union five years ago.

The independent appeal hearing followed an investigation by the Labour Relations Agency, which dismissed all seven complaints.

An Education Authority spokesperson has declined to comment, saying, “It would not be appropriate for the Authority or any school to comment on a document of this nature.”