Bullying claims at one of Cumbria’s largest employers forced bosses to launch a campaign to clamp down on the malpractice.

Sellafield has been hit by criticism after it was revealed bullying and harassment were major concerns for workers at the site.

An article published by the Mail Online said a whistleblower claimed there is “toxic” culture at Sellafield, where women are sexually harassed and homophobic and racist comments are ignored.

It further reported that Paul Foster, Sellafield Ltd’s chief executive officer, released a video to staff, in which he admits bosses are ashamed and embarrassed by the incidents.

The company commissioned an equality, diversity, and inclusion survey in autumn 2017 which revealed a quarter of its workforce believes bullying is tolerated at the site.

The data was circulated to employees via its intranet. But despite receiving the results in the first quarter of 2018, it wasn’t until earlier this year that a campaign was launched to put a lid on the misconduct.

Mr Foster, said: “Our site is the largest industrial facility in the UK. Like most large employers, we have experienced allegations of bullying, harassment and discrimination in our workforce. We do not tolerate this behaviour. We take equality, diversity, and inclusion extremely seriously.

“That’s why we commissioned a survey in 2017 to understand our employees’ concerns.

"What we found was disappointing and we’ve been very open about that. However, these results did not show a negative impact on site safety.

“We’ve since drawn up an action plan which we’re delivering with our owners, employees, and unions.

“Talking about these issues is the first step to dealing with them. That’s why we publicised the results of the survey at the time and why we’re continuing to be transparent about how we address them.

“We won’t shy away from being honest about our business – even when it’s difficult – because that’s the only way we’ll achieve the cultural change we want.”

Sellafield is now is urging any employees affected by bullying and harassment to call it out.

It is advising them to seek advice by visiting the equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) hub on the company’s intranet.

A spokesman for the company confirmed extra resource had been brought in to carry out investigations of complaints, mediation, and employee assistance.

Copeland’s MP Trudy Harrison said: “In recent years we have all seen a successful people’s movement against bullying, abuse and harassment, particularly in the workplace.

"Nobody comes to work to be poorly treated and nobody should put up with it.

“Sellafield’s CEO taking this zero tolerance approach follows a successful global campaign and I commend Paul Foster’s determination to lead from the top.

“Sellafield boasts world class skills across the site, so it is absolutely right that all employees and contractors are working in a world leading business environment.”