WESTBURY Town Council have adopted an ‘anti-bullying’ policy, despite opposition from three of its own councillors.
Councillors voted in favour of a ‘Dignity at Work’ policy being adopted at a full council meeting in September.
The policy is intended to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace and was put forward after employees had felt “unfairly and repeatedly attacked”. “It is important members and staff are aware of current legislation and proper procedure and policy,” said the proposal.
The recommendation was agreed after a vote involving the 12 councillors present but three councillors – Cllrs Russell Hawker, Francis Morland and David Tout all voted against the policy being introduced.
Cllrs Hawker and Tout recorded their reason as being that the policy should be directed solely at town council staff, not elected members.
Councillors Anderson, Andrews, Bradshaw, Cunningham, Ezra, Jenkins, Mitchell, Sutton, and Taylor all voted in favour of the policy. The three remaining – cllrs Gordon King, Philip Wakeman and David Windess – were not present for the vote.
