SB Cares staff suspended amid bullying claims

Four senior managers have been suspended from the organisation that provides adult care services in the Borders.

SB Cares is run by Scottish Borders Council and employs 800 staff to run care homes and services in the region.

It is understood the four have been suspended amid allegations of bullying and misconduct.

A spokesman for the local authority confirmed that it was investigating the claims.

"These do not relate in any way to the provision of care to our clients," he added.

"As we are required to, we have reported the matter to the Care Inspectorate and Scottish Social Services Council, and would reiterate that given these matters do not relate to service users there is absolutely no risk to our clients or impact on our usual high standard of service delivery.

"To achieve this we have put in place robust interim management arrangements."

Care services were transferred to the arm's length SB Cares in a bid to save money more than four years ago.