WORKERS at Chester-le-Street District Council have made allegations of bullying and harassment.

Terry Scarr, a regional organiser for union GMB, confirmed that a number of staff at the district council had come forward to make the allegations.

He said the union had launched an investigation into the claims and added that staff morale at the council was at an all-time low.

A recent inspection by the Audit Commission revealed the district council had suffered poor leadership and a high staff turnover.

It had a number of personnel issues, said the commission, including high levels of sickness.

Mr Scarr said: "One of the main reasons for the high staff turnover and the fact morale is at an all-time low is the amount of bullying and harassment that has taken place.

"There is an on-going dispute with the authority. Not enough is being done to sort these problems out." Mr Scarr said some of the allegations were under investigation by the council but said the union would not be dropping its case.

Alison Swinney, personnel manager at the council, said she could not confirm or deny the allegations.

She said: "It is an internal matter that needs to be dealt with and is being dealt with in the council.

"If there are internal matters, I would ensure adequate procedures were followed in the best interests of those involved.

"My view is that this should not be printed - it is inappropriate."

The Audit Commission report, published last week, rated the council poor, but said improvements had been made in the past six months.