Dudley Council staff make 22 complaints in year

The 22 grievances were raised by staff at Dudley Council in the year to March 2014. They were related to their working conditions, including accusations of bullying and harassment.

Council bosses said the figure had fallen since the previous 12 months and the the majority of complaints were resolved. Another 12 grievance cases from the previous year were also closed during the period.

Figures revealed that more complaints were made by women, with 56 per cent lodged by female workers.

More complaints were made by people aged between 50 and 59 then any other aged bracket, at 38 per cent.

The council said the number of complaints during the period was 'low'.

But Dudley councillor Ken Finch said every grievance raised is a cause for concern and that the authority had a responsibility to ensure its workforce was happy.

He said: "It is always a concern to me personally if we have one, never mind 22.

"I am not against people complaining if they feel they need to.

"Looking after our employees and having a good relationship should be a priority.

"If they are happy then they are going to do a good day's work.

"If employees are unhappy something needs to be done to put it right."

The council said the figures showed complaints were representative of the whole workforce and that there was no evidence of discrimination against a particular group.

It comes as the council considers making changes surrounding its grievance policy.

Philip Tart, strategic director for resources and transformation, insisted there was not a bullying problem at the council.

He said: "The council employs over 6,000 people excluding schools and we have procedures in place to ensure they are all able to work in a safe and positive environment.

"Last year we had 22 grievances raised with us covering a wide range of issues – not just bullying and harassment – which is a reduction on the 38 the previous year."