Civil service culture fears
THERE were demands for an inquiry into the Scottish Government’s whistle-blowing procedures yesterday after decade-old claims of bullying involving Alex Salmond emerged.
Labour demanded a “top to bottom” review of “the culture within the civil service” after revelations in yesterday’s Daily Record
We told how concerns about “bullying” of staff by ministers were raised by trade unions in 2009.
Salmond’s “explosive temper” and the behaviour of other ministers also disturbed civil servants.
After Salmond came to power, a Scottish Government process for dealing with complaints was introduced.
One senior trade union source said: “The process for investigating ministers was put in place because of these concerns.
“By 2009-10, there were people approaching the union saying there was an issue with Mr Salmond and bullying.
“Union reps had all heard the same thing from different sources, so we were taking it very seriously.”
Yesterday, Labour MSP Rhoda Grant demanded a full review. She said: “There must be a robust process in place, and due process must be followed.”
A spokesperson for Salmond said: “This latest material is based on anonymous malicious briefing from unnamed sources and a complete misinterpretation of documents.”