FOUR members of staff have been suspended by Salisbury district council after going public with complaints accusing council bosses of harassment and workplace bullying.

Environment and Agenda 21 officer Bundy Riley, print unit manager Sue Long, graphic designer Maggie Delauncey and housing department tenants' participation officer Kirsty Dudin were all suspended on full pay last Thursday - hours after statements making the allegations were read out at a council committee meeting.

Councillors attending a meeting of the council's resources overview and scrutiny panel on Wednesday night were taken by surprise when the statements were produced during public question time.

The council acted swiftly in suspending the four staff, saying in a statement that they would remain off work on full pay pending an investigation into their actions.

The statement, signed by chief executive Richard Sheard, said: "It is totally unacceptable for staff to hijack an official meeting of the council to express personal views about their employer.

"The council has in place a number of processes that enable staff to have their concerns considered.

"Should these processes be inappropriate, then staff can use the grievance procedure."