A Social Development Ministry staff member has been disciplined after a workplace incident with another staff member at the ministry's headquarters.

The Dominion Post understands the altercation took place earlier this month at the Bowen St offices and one staff member was suspended while the investigation took place.

Social Development Ministry deputy chief executive of policy Sue Mackwell said today that the ministry had taken the incident very seriously and had worked with the Public Service Association closely from the outset.

One staff member has been disciplined and would receive training and support.

"The staff member who has been disciplined has accepted the findings and understands that they displayed a serious lapse of judgement and that their behaviour fell short of the standards we expect.  They are very sorry for what happened.

"I think the appropriate outcome has been achieved and we will continue to work with the PSA and others to ensure both individuals involved are supported."

The ministry would not reveal details of what happened.

It earlier claimed that there was no public interest in the staff member's identity - and she deserved privacy because "she is not a chief executive or a high-profile staff member".

Both staff members involved are back at work and Ms Mackwell said were keen to put the matter behind them.

PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott said the union member involved was satisfied with the outcome. "The ministry's handling of the incident sends a very encouraging signal to workers that any problems with workplace behaviour or conduct will be taken seriously and dealt with properly and fairly."

Contact Shabnam Dastgheib
Reporter
Email: shabnam.dastgheib@dompost.co.nz
Twitter: @shab_d

- © Fairfax NZ News

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