BULLYING and harassment was investigated in 10 cases at Derby City Council between April 2008 and March 2009.

The information, from a report to the council's minority communities diversity forum, also states that in the last two years, two senior officers have been dismissed for serious and persistent bullying.

The council said it was unable to say which departments the staff were from or give any further details due to Data Protection laws.

However, a spokesman said: "Derby City Council takes bullying and harassment extremely seriously and we have policies and procedures in place to protect employees if they become a victim.

"Even one case is too many but, for an organisation of around 13,000 people, it only represents a tiny proportion of the workforce. We remain committed to creating a working environment where everyone is treated with fairness, respect and dignity."