A Scottish council rocked by claims staff self-harmed and had suicidal thoughts due to bullying and harassment has paid out £230,000 in gagging agreements over the last five years. Figures obtained by The Herald show that 14 settlement agreements were paid out by East Dunbartonshire Council between April 2016 and April 2020, all with controversial non-disclosure clauses in place. The data, released under freedom of information, also showed that there were at least 17 bullying grievances raised by staff over the same period, however none of these were upheld. Trade union Unison said it was now in “meaningful discussions” with the local authority in a bid to resolve the issue, however further current and former employees have since contacted The Herald to raise further concerns.