Workers' conduct could be controlled by a list of rules proposed by City of York Council.

The code, the first in the city, aims to ensure political neutrality, dictates what council business can be discussed publicly and with the media and how staff should deal with councillors, local people and colleagues.

It deals with issues such as receiving gifts and hospitality and relationships with contractors.

The council's strategy and planning adviser, Mandy Coalter, said: "The code sets out the council's expectations of employees. It attempts to strike a balance and aims to recognise that employees in the council undertake their job with integrity.

"However, it also makes clear that the council will not tolerate unethical actions such as fraud or corruption and that disciplinary action will result in such cases."

The code is a key part of the Government's modernising agenda for local authorities and is based on national guidelines.

Mrs Coalter said: "It has been amended after thorough consultation with stakeholders such as the management team, Unison and finance and marketing.

"Key amendments include more information on gifts and hospitality, clarity on use of public money and plain English."

Failure to observe the code, which will be discussed at a meeting on Tuesday, would render an employee liable to disciplinary action.

Union representatives working for the council have also been given guidelines on what they can say.

The code states: "A trade union official or member may be asked to comment by the media on, for instance, an industrial dispute. Any opinion expressed should be clearly given in their capacity as a trade union official or member."

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