Workplace bullying - not only at Number 10

Recent headlines have hit the Labour party with a book claiming Gordon Brown is a bully - an allegation seemingly backed up by a national hotline claiming they have received calls from 'several' members of Number 10 staff.

However, this has now been hit with a backlash of its own as this has been perceived as a breach of confidentiality, which is discrediting the charity - so much so that engagement expert, Professor Cary Cooper has disengaged himself as their patron. Associated Press reported he resigned because he believed confidentiality had been breached despite the CEO, Christine Pratt, not 'outing' any employee by name. He was quoted as saying: "I am resigning now on the grounds that I think she breached confidentiality."

He continued: "One of the things that is really important for any helpline or any counselling service is to retain confidentiality of the people calling up."

He added: "Even though the names may not be revealed, particularly with something like bullying ... an employer could maybe find out who they were."