A school dinner lady has been awarded £45,000 in compensation after she was subjected to bullying because she reported a breach of policy by her colleague.

Neydi Vasconcelos worked part-time at Medlock Primary School in Ardwick. She became aware that some of the kitchen equipment was being taken off site for private use by a member of staff.

She reported the breach, but no investigation was made. Ms Vasconcelos made another complaint which led to the resignation of the alleged offending staff member.

However, Ms Vasconcelos claimed she was subjected to bullying after it became known that she had made the initial complaint. She reported the hostile working environment, but no action was taken by her managers.

She felt she had no choice but to resign and made a claim of constructive unfair dismissal. Miss Vasconcelos said: "It had taken four months for them to reply to me and in the meantime, I was bullied and made to feel like I was the one in the wrong."

The tribunal ruled in her favour. It stated that the bullying allegations "ought to have been investigated by management' and that the council "did not adequately respond" to the complaints.

She was awarded £45,000 in compensation.

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