MORE than a quarter of staff who responded to a GMB survey at South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secam) have felt bullied at work, a new survey found today.

Union GMB surveyed almost 900 members within the service asking about working culture and management spending.

Members raised numerous issues including discrimination towards women staff members, sexual harassment, bullying, staff being scared to speak out and the prevalence of a “boys’ club” culture.

More than one in four said they had experienced bullying at work. Another fifth said they witnessed bullying at work.

The union has called for Secam chief executive Simon Weldon to urgently commission an independent investigation.

GMB regional organiser Gary Palmer said: “We were genuinely not expecting the results to be quite so shocking.

“The members’ testimony made very difficult reading at times and the overall message was deeply concerning.

“If he (Mr Weldon) doesn’t think an investigation is warranted, you have to ask if his position is tenable any longer.”

A Secamb spokesperson said: “We absolutely recognise that as a Trust and as a wider ambulance sector, we have issues we need to address.

“We are also committed to working in partnership with our unions on these, and other issues.”