Bullying

I assume you are refering to the fact that the helpline refers callers to profit making organistions for more practical support - such as the one run by her husband. There is a statement on their website explaining it and stressing that its all above board. But I don't know, its all looks a bit odd to me, unless of course this is comman practice in the helpline world.

What concerns me is the potential conflict of interests given Mr Pratt's line of business - very tricky territory.

And whilst we're on the subject of bullying, let's not forget those beastly Argentines (manufacturers of bully beef aka corned beef of Fray Bentos fame) who are terrorising all those sheep in the Falkland Islands whose only desire is to die for Britain!

Well @jax I can always big it up and say that Blunkett asked for inappropriate favours from my team some of whom were only too willing to oblige ;o)

not sure you'll get much for selling that to the newspapers!

Lol @jax he was more an eater than anything! I do recall that Blunkett was not an easy man to live with, he would often shout and have a hissy fit, but everyone seemed to just take this in their stride. Must admit I found him scary but I think his manner was largely due to his disability - it must have been hell trying to keep on top of all that information through braille especially if you're not 100% trusting of your officials.

Lol @jax he was more an eater than anything! I do recall that Blunkett was not an easy man to live with, he would often shout and have a hissy fit, but everyone seemed to just take this in their stride. Must admit I found him scary but I think that was largely due to his disability - it must have been hell trying to keep on top of all that information through braille.

Also gotta to remember that working in the public sector means you are pretty public -certainly in comparison to others.
A recent parliamentary question highlights the point:
March 2009

Grant Shapps: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many staff in (a) the Prime Minister's Office and (b) the Leader of the House's Office were disciplined for (i) bullying and (ii) harassment of colleagues in each of the last three years.

Mr. Watson: It is not the policy of the Cabinet Office to release personal data relating to individual staff. I can confirm that in the period specified, there were fewer than five cases in the Department where staff were disciplined for bullying and harassment of colleagues. It would not be appropriate to provide a further breakdown.

So bullying was already, in effect, public. Hands up I haven't seen Pratts statement so I am not sure how much further she went, but if it is true, official challenges must have been used or the incidents wouldn't have been being recorded. And yet, still its been denied at all levels. Maybe that was why Pratt was so angry she decided to disclose.

You were in Gov. Jamie. Any gossip on this issue? I thought Pratt mentioned the Deputy Prime Minister as well - thought he was more lover than fighter!

Interesting points all, @paddaniels I do agree about confidentiality - imagine if the Samaritans started divulging the ID of callers! It is a serious issue.... but do see @jax's point of view too, this is a big issue and Pratt must have really struggled with it - assuming she is right that No10 staff really did call her line. I wonder how they all feel about it though, as @nick says they may well be worried that their in confidence call has exposed them.

I would have thought that any whistle blowing should be done by the individual or group involved, and through appropriate channels, not by a third party through the media and certainly not by someone from a confidential helpline. Any claims that this was in the public interest are outweighed by the damage done to the public's trust in confidential helplines.