Sex and dismissal claims for Edinburgh

A former academic from Edinburgh University's social anthropology department is taking legal action against the university, while a senior staff member has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment.

Alan Campbell, who last year lost a constructive dismissal case, has launched a personal injury claim against the university through the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

Dr Campbell took early retirement in 1997 on the grounds of ill-health after 20 years at Edinburgh. He claims he was coerced into leaving by a campaign of harassment.

At last year's tribunal, Dr Campbell was praised as "outstanding, dedicated and charismatic", but no evidence that he had been forced out of his job was found.

Of the current action, a university spokesperson said: "Matters are now in the hands of the university's insurers and it would be inappropriate for us to comment."

In a separate move, reader James Carrier, editor of the Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, has been suspended after sexual harassment complaints by three female students.

A spokesperson for Edinburgh said: "A preliminary investigation has been completed. Until the matter is resolved, the member of staff is suspended from his duties."