Council managers and unions have reached a compromise in a dispute which blew up after workers claimed they were being spied on.

A complaint was made to GMB shop stewards after opaque film was put on an office window allowing bosses to watch workers unobserved.

Bradford branch secretary of the GMB Terry Patten said the system seemed "sinister".

Although staff had nothing to hide they feel they are being spied on.

The window overlooks the kitchens at Laisterdyke School, where 50 workers prepare about 20,000 meals a day for 190 schools in Bradford and other authorities.

But a Council spokesman said today: "In response to the union's complaint about the film used on the window we have agreed upon a solution. We will either place more film on the other side of the window or replace the original film with a blind, depending on which approach is proved to be the most cost effective.

"This solution should alleviate any staff concerns while keeping the room suitable for private meetings and appraisals."

Today Mr Patten welcomed the decision as a victory for common sense.

He added: "I think there was an issue with civil liberties here and people are concerned about it.

"It's not the same as someone watching from a window who can be seen. If privacy was needed they could have put in curtains or blinds.

"I don't know if this has happened elsewhere in the Council, but we think it is completely wrong.

"It seems sinister."