AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into claims of staff bullying and harassment by senior management at North Wiltshire District Council.

Staff have complained to councillors and management that they are regularly subjected to verbal abuse which is causing illness and as many as 10 people are seeking legal advice.

The district council has brought in an external trouble-shooter to investigate the claims of systematic bullying in the Corporate Services department after an internal investigation found no evidence of any problems.

Employers union UNISON and the district council conducted staff interviews when the first anonymous claims were made a month ago.

A letter sent to the Chippenham News this week on official North Wiltshire District Council-headed paper alleged the bullying was being ignored.

The anonymous letter said: "Despite many letters raising the severe problems that staff are experiencing, the council in its usual way continues to prevaricate and stall, hoping the problem will go away. It will not.

"One of the gravest issues facing the council is that of bullying and intimidation. The new leader and the chairman have been asked to take a firm line but all we have received is silence and inactivity.

"The culture of bullying within the council is mainly centred around the Corporate Services department with as many as nine or 10 staff being the victims of constant harassment and intimidation.

"The distress and illness arising from this culture have to be seen to be believed. Will it take a tragedy to change the situation? The public need to know the truth."

An external investigation has been launched to uncover the extent and truth of the bullying and harassment claims.

District Council chief executive, Bob Marshall said: "I am extremely concerned that someone would take such a misguided route to report such a matter.

"The council has a very open culture and a well

published Grievance Procedure and Harassment Code of Practice, which gives every individual the right to raise grievances in the council.

"I would urge the individuals concerned to come forward so we can investigate the facts of the matter."

Andy Inkpen, spokesman for North Wiltshire Unison, said: "While any investigation might be ongoing we cannot confirm one way or another.

"UNISON has a very clear policy on bullying and harassment and the council has got its own policy.

"Were any issues brought to our attention then we would seek to ensure

management of the organisation properly invoke their own policy and if we

had any evidence that was not being done, we would take appropriate action to ensure that they do.

"It is always difficult when dealing with bullying and harassment cases, many victims are unwilling to make formal complaints."

Council chairman, Cllr Dianne Moore said: "I cannot confirm anything as there is an ongoing investigation."

It is believed four anonymous allegations have now been made to council chiefs.

Leader of the council, Cllr Ruth Coleman said: "This is a disciplinary procedure which would be dealt with by staff and not members."

The district council said it took specific allegations of bullying and intimidation seriously and on rare occasions when grievances are reported they are investigated thoroughly and action is taken.