The Health and Safety Executive says counselling should be given to alleged bullies and victims in a problem-hit Government laboratory where serious complaints have been made.

The recommendation has been made by the HSE following an inquiry at the Environment Agency's laboratories in Leeds, where a number of Bradford people are employed.

A private letter to the agency passed to the Telegraph & Argus says it may be necessary for a doctor to make special visits to the laboratories to advise on management and, where necessary, see individuals.

The letter from Paul Robinson, inspector of Health and Safety, follows an investigation into complaints from former employees about alleged behaviour in the laboratories and the stress they claim to have suffered as a result.

Former assistant scientist Derrick Bruce, of Allerton, is involved in an employment tribunal hearing against the agency claiming unfair dismissal and alleging bullying and victimisation.

The former union official was sacked last summer after working at the laboratories for five years when he was alleged to have threatened a manager. He strenuously denies the claim.

Other complaints have also been made from workers that they have suffered stress as a result of laboratory issues.

Mr Robinson said he could not comment on a private letter to the agency but would be in talks with them about the findings.

He has told the agency that he has received advice from medical experts on how they consider issues involving stress or bullying should be managed.

He wrote: "Anyone who considers they are being bullied should be again advised to follow your relevant procedures and to allow you to investigate. Both the alleged bully and victim should be offered counselling during the internal inquiry. Bullying behaviour is regardable as one manifestation of a stressed manager."

Mr Robinson has written to the agency that many complaints received have been about "management culture" and "relationships." He says there still appear to be relationship problems between certain staff and some middle management.

Mr Robinson advises that a stress survey should be carried out at the laboratories so that feedback can be used to monitor progress.

Today Mr Bruce, who expects his tribunal to be heard in July, said: "I welcome these findings. They have come too late for me, but other people can benefit."

An Environment Agency spokesman said it had responded to the points made by the HSE and requested a meeting to discuss the points. "The laboratory managers and union representatives will discuss any recommendations by HSE as part of an ongoing review which started last year."

Martin Longthorne, Yorkshire secretary for union Unison welcomed the HSE report. He said: "If there is anything wrong anywhere, it should be brought to light."