A workers' union has claimed there is a deep-rooted culture of bullying at Sutton Council after almost two thirds of its members surveyed said they had been victims.
 

Unison, which represents workers in many council departments, says bullying is a "hidden threat, and is demanding councillors acknowledge the problem.
 

The union surveyed 368 council employees after concerns were raised.
Of them, 68 per cent said they had been bullied and 32 per cent said they were being bullied at the moment.
 

It claimed bullying mainly took the form of excessive criticism, with shouting, humiliation and even threats and abuse also mentioned.
 

Unison plans to present the results of its survey to councillors at the next health and safety committee meeting on Tuesday, December 18.
 

A spokesman said: "This survey demonstrates a culture of bullying within Sutton Council and we want the council to acknowledge there is a problem and this behaviour is more deep rooted than anybody thought.
 

"Once there is an acceptance of the problem then a strategy must be adopted in order to deal with and stamp out this terrible behaviour.
 

"Bullying at the London Borough of Sutton remains a hidden threat and will create a culture that is not acceptable here or in any workplace."
 

Last week, the Sutton Guardian reported the story of a social worker who said new managers in the safeguarding department brought in an "intimidating management style" and have hounded people out the detriment of the department.
 

Following the anonymous whistleblower's allegations, other members of council staff have come forward with concerns.
 

One said: "Experienced social workers have left because of this bullying and Sutton can now only get agency staff to replace them. There is no improvement, in fact there has been a rapid deterioration.
 

Coun Colin Hall, deputy leader of Sutton Council, said: "We take bullying extremely seriously and have a policy in place for employees to raise any concerns. The council will not tolerate workplace bullying, and we do not dismiss employees’ concerns or ignore these issues.
 

"Measures have been put in place to work with managers and staff to identify and address the issues raised and we are currently carrying out a survey of all employees to understand the impact of this action."