In the to and fro of claim and counterclaim, especially when difficult decisions over job cuts and cutbacks in services are taking place, it truly would be refreshing to know that actual facts are disclosed by both sides so the public can make an informed judgement.

Unison could publish the report in full with all the caveats the council have concerns about.

The council could release figures in regard to why staff have left.

It could also publish how many claims are outstanding against the council as to employment tribunal cases or potential cases it is dealing with or has dealt with over, say, four years.

How many staff complaints were made against other staff, especially managers, in regard to bullying or similar workplace allegations?

Whatever the rights and wrongs, what is clear is that 46 per cent of 209 polled, which equals 96 people, knew someone who had left because of bullying.

The actual number of alleged bullied staff is not at all clear, nor is it clear whether those staff that have left ever reported the fact that they were bullied to the council.

Of course, even one person who has been bullied out of their job is one too many.

It is also very concerning that councillors are alleged to have bullied staff – surely a worrying development. Who are these councillors?

In my experience, where there is workplace bullying one really has to view management, and, in this case if councillors are involved, in political leadership too.

BILL MAIN-IAN UKIP PPC for Carshalton & Wallington