Shearwood alleges breach of contract by Clarks. He has lodged his claim – which is separate from an employment tribunal case last week – against the footwear giant at the High Court.

At the employment hearing, Shearwood lost his case against Clarks.

He had argued that he had been ousted from the retailer because of whistleblowing. However, Clarks said he was guilty of inappropriate behaviour and that was why he lost his job in June 2018 when he was forced to resign.