A whistleblower is calling on councillors to do more help Sutton Council's "disillusioned, demoralised" staff.

The anonymous member of council staff has written two letters to councillors relating to alleged problems with bullying.

Councillor Tony Shields has called for the writer to make themselves known to him so he can help.

Coun Shields tried to have the issue raised at a council meeting last week but the council's chief executive turned the request down.

Concerns were raised about reports of senior members of staff bullying workers earlier this year.

The council held its own survey and has introduced measures to monitor staff happiness. But the whistleblower claims staff concerns are not being relayed to councillors.

In one letter he or she says: "Councillors are only told what officers want them to know. Information is skewed and hidden from you. In this election year, stand up for your staff and constituents. At least try to find out how your staff feel and if they are truly positive and happy.

"You will find a disillusioned and demoralised staff.

"I am sure residents who are not staff would not be happy if they knew how your staff are being treated and bullied."

Coun Shields said he is concerned by the contents of the letters but wants to speak to the person writing them to find out more. He asked for the matter to be raised at last week's full council meeting but the request was declined.

A council spokesman said: "Full council is not an appropriate forum for internal staff matters to be raised.

"The letter in question is anonymous and does not make any specific allegations.

"We take bullying very seriously and will investigate all incidents – but the document being circulated gives us nothing to go on."

To view the full letters, visit http://www.suttonsouth.org.uk/.

 

TODAY'S TOP SUTTON STORIES