Union's harassment case pay-out

Robert Parker denied the allegations

A settlement has been reached in a sexual harassment case brought against the GMB union's former Scottish regional secretary.

Robert Parker's former personal assistant Margaret McAvoy has accepted a sum believed to be in the region of £300,000.

She took the union and Mr Parker to an industrial tribunal, complaining she was forced to quit her job because of sexual harassment.

She told the tribunal that Mr Parker made a series of lewd and disgusting propositions which eventually drove her to a breakdown.

He denied the allegations and protested his innocence.

However, he resigned earlier this year after settlement of another tribunal case in which he had been accused of victimising another female colleague, Mary Senior.

She claimed she was bullied by Mr Parker because she supported Mrs McAvoy.

Mary Senior received £50,000

Ms Senior received a settlement of £50,000.

Mr Parker said he left his post because the pressure of the case had become unbearable.

The tribunal had been due to resume next month to continue consideration of Mrs McAvoy's case.

However, the GMB has confirmed that a confidential deal has now been reached.

The union has refused to be drawn on the level of the settlement, but it is understood to be in the region of £300,000.

Mrs McAvoy has paid tribute to her family for the "tremendous support" she received.