BULLYING of staff working for a major Hampshire health provider has been highlighted in a trade union survey.

Unite polled scores of members who work for Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.

Local issues raised by members included bullying, job security, changes to roles and to working hours.

The trust employs some 9,000 people across the South and provides community health, specialist mental health and learning disability services.

Sandra Grant, director of workforce, development and communications, said: “At Southern Health we take bullying very seriously. We enforce a zero tolerance policy, agreed in partnership with our union colleagues.

She added: “When staff come forward with concerns relating to bullying or harassment, we work closely with the individual to explore their concerns, discuss options available and agree an appropriate route forward in resolving the issues raised.

“In addition to undertaking a formal investigation, options available include informal meetings, mediation or facilitated meetings between the complainant and alleged perpetrator.”