Head 'was reassuring pregnant colleague'

A HEADTEACHER accused of bullying his pregnant colleague was trying to be reassuring to her when he said his wife had been made redundant for taking maternity leave, it was claimed yesterday.

Peter Hogan, 48, head teacher of private school Loretto, is being investigated at an employment tribunal after admissions director Fiona Gordon lodged a complaint about his behaviour after she announced her pregnancy.

Mrs Gordon, 41, from Edinburgh, claims she was faced with sex discrimination after telling her boss she would need time off to have her baby.

Ailsa Carmichael, representing on behalf of the 8,700-a-term school, said Mr Hogan elaborated on the statement in which he allegedly told Mrs Gordon "that will not happen here".

Ms Carmichael said: "Mr Hogan continued to inform you that he was not annoyed by your pregnancy, in fact, what he actually told you was: 'don't worry that will not happen here - children are we teachers' livelihood." The hearing continues.