More than 50 Sussex hospital workers claim they have been the victims of bullying and harassment at work.

A survey by the GMB trade union found 56 per cent of the 106 respondents from Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust said they had been bullied.

More than 40 per cent said they had taken time off because of its effects.

The survey also found 75 per cent of staff at ISS Mediclean, which is contracted to provide a portering service for the trust, felt they had been bullied.

About 600 surveys were given to employees throughout the summer, with two-thirds handed to GMB members. The trust has a workforce of about 5,500.

The survey was a reaction to complaints by the GMB of a culture of bullying and harassment at the trust.

The union plans to send questionnaires to other city employers.

Union organiser Charles Harrity said: "We believe the trust should act on the survey findings and recognise that bullying is endemic.

"It is essential our members feel safe at work, which helps provide a level of service the people of Brighton and Hove deserve."

Chris Wilson, director of personnel at Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "The trust looks forward to receiving the full results of the GMB survey and we welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues raised.

"The trust is introducing a range of measures designed to reduce bullying and harassment in the workplace.

"These include training programmes, a new bullying and harassment policy and a confidential staff counselling service."