A poll of civil servants showed that 21 percent had been bullied or harassed while only 28 percent felt bosses properly responded to their concerns.

Those figures, from a 2004 study, led to a Government probe which has resulted in a Dignity at Work policy and a new complaints procedure, Premier Ewart Brown told the House of Assembly yesterday.

He said the document, approved by unions, would foster better working relationships and ensure employees were treated with respect, whatever their race, gender or other demographics.

Dr. Brown said it should improve morale and performance while curb resignations and staff turnover.

"When people feel respected and valued they are more productive," said Dr. Brown.

"We believe when staff are treated fairly and well by their employers, they are more likely to behave in a positive way towards other stakeholders, particularly their clients and in this case members of the public."

He said Government recognised it was only the first step. "The document is designed to encourage practical changes, raise awareness and reduce the incidence of inequality, harassment, bullying, victimisation and discrimination in the workplace."

Opposition Works and Engineering spokesman Patricia Gordon-Pamplin said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) had met two senior civil servants who had been asked to do things they didn't feel comfortable with.

"If this happens to senior civil servants one must wonder what happens to the junior staff. What about those not called to the PAC? It's really quite scary."

Recently Bermuda Public Services Union leader Ed Ball told this paper that civil servants were under the cosh from bullying ministers who are putting politics above protocol.

He said morale in the public sector was plummeting amid rampant fear and a "malaise of mistrust."

Mr. Ball said there had been an increase in complaints about political interference, bullying and employment contracts being cancelled and the union had taken on at least five complaints in the last six months.

And the Voters Right Association, which has met with under-fire staff, has also raised concerns about intimidation, wrongful sanctions, wrongful dismissals and threats of dismissal for those who question contracts for political cronies.