Unison says it has supported a number of West Sussex County Council staff with grievances about bullying. Regional organiser Caroline Fife spoke after a leaked report from Department for Education commissioner John Coughlan described a ‘bullying culture’ at County Hall. The report stated that, while nothing was proven, stories from staff were all ‘disturbingly consistent’ and had ‘a significant ring of truth’. Ms Fife said: "The commissioner’s report has confirmed what Unison has been telling the council’s political and executive leadership for 18 months: that there is a toxic bullying and blame culture at West Sussex." Describing bullying as ‘a tragedy for those individuals who were bullied and were deeply impacted personally’, she questioned the way the county council had worked with Unison to address the problem. Ms Fife said: "We believe there was a culture of hostility towards unions and an unwillingness to engage with us on anything other than core terms and conditions and restructures. "That inability to listen to trade unions and our feedback from the shop floor, and work with us as partners, has undoubtedly contributed to the present situation and failures. "We really hope for improved industrial relations with the new political and executive leaderships when appointed." Mr Coughlan, who is also chief executive at Hampshire County Council, was appointed by the Department for Education to oversee the improvements to children’s services which should have followed a damning Ofsted report. His first report was shared with the council last week and leaked to the BBC. Mid Sussex MP Sir Nicholas Soames took to social media to call for immediate action. He said: "What is needed at West Sussex County Council is a complete review of its governance and culture at the highest level and a high-performing local county council to come in and lead improvement immediately." Leader of the council, Louise Goldsmith, resigned yesterday (Friday, 4) after the report was leaked. The county council has been approached for comment. (By Karen Dunn - Local Democracy Reporter)
Event Bookings Go Live For Worthing Festival ‘24
Man Charged After Throwing Brick Through Brighton Restaurant Window
Peacehaven Man Disqualified Over High-Speed A27 Pursuit Near Brighton
Appeal After PCSO Assaulted In Uckfield
Man Charged With Rape Of Teenage Girl In Newhaven
Overnight Closures For A22 Forest Row Road Improvements
Brighton Defence Manufacturer's Controversial Planning Application Likely To Be Heard
Over £2.4m Approved For Worthing School Support Centre
Section Of M25 To Close Again Tonight - As Drivers Warned Not To Get Complacent
Plans For 800 New Horsham Homes Refused