A SHOCK survey among the 200-plus staff at a North Yorkshire council has revealed that some 40 per cent claim to have been subject to bullying.

Now, Ryedale District Council is to carry out a full scale probe into the allegations after leading councillor, Luke Ives told the authority: "Over half the workforce have knowledge of bullying."

He said that in addition to the survey he had been approached by other staff, as chairman of the influential policy and resources committee.

"We cannot ignore the claims,” he said – and went on to allege some staff had even been offered "financial settlements to silence them".

"There is enough evidence to suggest we do have a bullying problem," said Coun Ives. "Given the weight of evidence we must not be afraid to make decisions and it is vital that the issue goes to the council's overview and scrutiny committee. We have to get to the bottom of what is going on."

The council's staff champion, Cllr Fiona Farnell, who instigated the inquiry, said : "I am concerned by some results which have come in from the questionnaire survey. It is important that staff see councillors are taking their concerns seriously."

The council has also asked for an investigation into possible bullying of staff by councillors.

A budget of £10,000 will be provided to enable the committee to carry out the investigation and "procure expert assistance."