CIVIL SERVICE unions urged victims of harassment at work to speak up today, following the dramatic sexual assault allegations facing Alex Salmond.

The former first minister stands accused of sexually assaulting two staff members at his official residence Bute House in 2013, while he was still in office.

Responding yesterday, Mr Salmond said he has "made many mistakes" in life but strenuously denied the allegations.

He is now suing the Scottish government over its complaints process, which he said was "unjust" and did not allow him to present his case.

Scottish government permanent secretary Leslie Evans said she had informed Mr Salmond she was intending to make a statement on the allegations. The ex-first minister then announced he would seek an “interdict” to prevent this happening, but he has dropped this action after the Daily Record broke the story on Thursday night.

He is continuing to seek a judicial review over the complaints procedure. 

Ms Evans said Mr Salmond’s statement "contains significant inaccuracies which will be addressed in those court proceedings,” saying the Scottish government “will defend its position vigorously”.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who spent years as Mr Salmond’s deputy leader and deputy first minister, said the complaints cannot be "swept under the carpet".

Ms Sturgeon said her relationship with her predecessor "makes this an extremely difficult situation for me to come to terms with," but due process must be followed.

STUC president Lynn Henderson, speaking on behalf of her own civil service union PCS as well as Prospect and the First Division Association, said: “Whilst we can’t comment on the detail because there’s a legal process under way, I want to reiterate that all workers have the right to go to work without fear of harassment, be it sexual or otherwise.

“Regardless if it’s in Hollywood or in Holyrood, harassment at work is an epidemic. Over 50 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment at work. Four out of five do not report it to the employer.

“If you’ve experienced harassment of any kind, I urge you to speak to a union representative.”

Labour has called for Mr Salmond to be suspended from the SNP.

Asked by the BBC if Mr Salmond is still a member, Ms Sturgeon said: "These matters will be considered in the fullness of time.”