There is no doubt that the allegation itself is both personally and politically damaging to the Prime Minister, and may have been timed to create a further negative view on his credentials to politically lead the Government.

However, the subject matter itself raises an issue that seldom receives such a level of media attention. This is a subject matter that has a huge impact on employers and their employees in all aspects of employment.

Personally, whilst in a previous employment, I was a victim of such behaviour, and the company itself is endemic with bullying at all levels. Unlike the allegations made against Gordon Brown, in that it is alleged they were subjected to physical and verbal bullying, I personally was subjected to more psychological bullying, which is difficult to prove and negate.

The impact this behaviour has on a person can leave deep, painful and emotional scars that destroys your confidence, self-belief and ability to undertake work with a positive outlook. I personally am under no illusion that this was pre-determined against me as I failed to adopt the style of management and work ethics they sought.

I was not willing to turn a blind eye to poor working practices, and spoke out and highlighted concerns about specific issues and behaviours. In doing what I did raised awareness of incompetence within certain departments and management in this company. The knock-on effect was I became subject to intimidation, being excluded and undermined in my role and suddenly became a topic of secret meetings to discuss the longevity of my future employment.

No doubt readers of this will be thinking 'you should report this to your HR Department and follow the company's procedures to handle these allegations'. However, how do you undertake this path when the perpetrator heads that department and those within the HR Department and senior management would not be objective or impartial in handling such allegations?

I, amongst many people, whilst under this company's employment, was victim to a management style and work ethic that believed they had a right to treat employees through management by bullying. If you did attempt to address this formally you ended up being subject to further intimidation to the point you either resigned or suddenly leave employment involuntary or be subject to being selected for redundancy, over a number of years, I, amongst others, fell under either of these options.

Often the only positive light was appreciating the support of fellow work colleagues. However, it's not unknown for some to turn a blind eye in return for receiving preferential treatment.

I expect that readers of this are asking that such working behaviours could never happen in Moray - well, I can assure you that it does, and this company is one of the biggest employers in the area.

What I do hope is that this raises awareness with them, and someone will take note and try to prevent further people in their employment being subjected to this. – Yours etc,

Name and address supplied.

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