Comhairle nan Eilean Siar PRESS RELEASE 25 April 2000 For Use: Immediately

At a meeting last week of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar's Joint Consultative Committee it was agreed to adopt a policy on harassment at work.

The policy includes a budget of £2,000 to cover the possible costs of counselling for staff who feel they have been harassed in the work place.

The policy covers harassment of staff by other Comhairle employees and contains procedures for both formal and informal routes to try and ease problems of harassment.

Convener Alex MacDonald said:

"I am determined that the Comhairle will be a fair and reasonable employer and that staff should feel comfortable in their workplace. However, even in the best work environments, there can be difficulties and that is why I very much welcome this move by the JCC. It is a sign of an enlightened employer to have procedures in place for these kinds of problems, even if they are in fact, extremely rare."

The recommendation from the JCC will now go to the Comhairle for agreement.

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer