WHILSTLE-BLOWING broadcaster Laurie Mayer claims he won the argument after a tribunal threw out his claim for unfair dismissal but rapped BBC bosses for "ineffective management".

Mr Mayer, whose case was paid for by the National Union of Journalists, is considering an appeal after claiming a "moral" victory.

He told a tribunal in Ashford that he was dismissed for blowing the whistle on a culture of bullying and harassment at the Tunbridge Wells studios. Although the tribunal turned down his claim, it backed his assertion about bullying and harassment.

After the judgement, which followed a three and a half day hearing in September, Mr Mayer, a veteran of BBC and Sky, said: "I regard today's judgement as a clear moral victory and complete vindication of the stand I have made with the help of the NUJ against bullying."

It was strange to have "won the argument and yet lost the case." He added: "I believe the corporation has been shown to have acted shamefully. With the continued support of the NUJ I am now taking legal advice on the possibility of an appeal."

NUJ official Paul McLaughlin said: "This is the first time a case about bullying has been brought under the whistle blowing legislation. We will therefore be examining the verdict closely to see the legal basis of this decision."

The BBC has denied the bullying claims. In a brief statement, it said: "We, of course, agree with the tribunal's decision but also with their view that these were sad circumstances. The BBC would have preferred this case not to have gone to court as we understand how stressful this can be for all involved."