An inquiry into Tourism Minister Renee Webb has highlighted her "problematic management style" but has cleared her of the most serious charges levelled by staff.

Ms Webb had been accused of being vindictive, bullying, disrespectful and careless with the truth in a three-page dossier sent by the Bermuda Public Services Union to Cabinet Secretary John Drinkwater.

Staff were interviewed by Assistant Cabinet Secretary Khamisi Tokunbo, who, according to a Government press release, found staff withdrawing from the most serious accusations.

However the statement said: "He pointed out, however, that there was some merit in a number of the views submitted and the common thread of a problematic management style was clearly evident.

"The minister's approach to her responsibilities, her style of management and her eagerness to get things done appear to have caused distress to some members of staff."

Premier Alex Scott and Cabinet Secretary John Drinkwater met with staff to share the report's findings.

Mr. Scott said efforts had been made to forge a resolution and said the exercise had been useful.

The release said: "Premier Scott highlighted the positive steps that had been taken in order to create a cohesive unit, citing the team-building session that was designed to bring the minister and staff together in support of a new strategy."

The department has been without a director since late last year when Judith Hall Bean requested a transfer, but Mr. Scott promised a new one would be in place soon which would help the situation.

Neither BPSU general secretary Edward Ball nor Ms Webb could be reached last night.

In the letter which sparked the probe, Mr. Ball has said he had never in all his years as a trade unionist seen civil servants so fearful of a minister and the possible retribution they could experience as a result of voicing their concerns.

Ms Webb is known to be keen on modernising the department and has previously complained some staff are resistant to changes