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07/11/2005
Two million people ‘bullied at work,' say TUC
Around two million people claim to have been bullied at work in the past six months, the Trade Union Congress has revealed.
The TUC estimated that around 18 million working days are lost each year because of bullying. The union said that many victims of workplace bullying had their confidence undermined to the extent that they felt unable to do their jobs. Many felt they had no option other than to take sick leave, while others were forced to seek alternative employment.
According to a recent TUC survey, involving 5,000 employees, in three quarters of bullying incidents, the perpetrator was a manager or supervisor. However, a joint survey by Unison and Acas found that managers were often victims of bullying themselves, with 49% of middle managers interviewed claiming to have been bullied.
The figures have been revealed to coincide with Ban Bullying at Work Day, organised by the Andrea Adams Trust, a charity, which provides help and support to those who have suffered bullying in the workplace.
The TUC has called for new legislation, outlawing bullying at work, to be introduced. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “These figures suggest that there can be few workplaces in the UK without a resident bully. But although bullying can destroy lives and have a damaging effect upon workplace morale, the overwhelming majority of employers seem unable to stop bullies in their tracks.
“Employers should be tackling bullying, just as they would treat any other workplace hazard. All workplaces, whatever their size, should have a policy, which states that harassment and intimidation is unacceptable and that those who delight in the victimisation of others will be treated severely.
“The victims of bullying need to be listened to and supported, not dismissed as workplace wimps.”
Conciliatory service Acas has launched a free online learning course to help employers understand and prevent bullying in the workplace, to coincide with Ban Bullying at Work day.
The course shows employers how to recognise and deal with bullying, as well as harassment, and provides practice advice on the best way to develop clear and accessible policies.
(KMcA/SP)
The TUC estimated that around 18 million working days are lost each year because of bullying. The union said that many victims of workplace bullying had their confidence undermined to the extent that they felt unable to do their jobs. Many felt they had no option other than to take sick leave, while others were forced to seek alternative employment.
According to a recent TUC survey, involving 5,000 employees, in three quarters of bullying incidents, the perpetrator was a manager or supervisor. However, a joint survey by Unison and Acas found that managers were often victims of bullying themselves, with 49% of middle managers interviewed claiming to have been bullied.
The figures have been revealed to coincide with Ban Bullying at Work Day, organised by the Andrea Adams Trust, a charity, which provides help and support to those who have suffered bullying in the workplace.
The TUC has called for new legislation, outlawing bullying at work, to be introduced. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “These figures suggest that there can be few workplaces in the UK without a resident bully. But although bullying can destroy lives and have a damaging effect upon workplace morale, the overwhelming majority of employers seem unable to stop bullies in their tracks.
“Employers should be tackling bullying, just as they would treat any other workplace hazard. All workplaces, whatever their size, should have a policy, which states that harassment and intimidation is unacceptable and that those who delight in the victimisation of others will be treated severely.
“The victims of bullying need to be listened to and supported, not dismissed as workplace wimps.”
Conciliatory service Acas has launched a free online learning course to help employers understand and prevent bullying in the workplace, to coincide with Ban Bullying at Work day.
The course shows employers how to recognise and deal with bullying, as well as harassment, and provides practice advice on the best way to develop clear and accessible policies.
(KMcA/SP)
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24 March 2004
Amicus to spearhead anti-bullying campaign
The trade union Amicus will lead a £1.8 million government-backed drive as part of what is described as "the world's largest project" to stamp out bullying and discrimination at work, the DTI has announced today. The project will provide support, advice and training to organisations trying to deal with bullying.
Amicus to spearhead anti-bullying campaign
The trade union Amicus will lead a £1.8 million government-backed drive as part of what is described as "the world's largest project" to stamp out bullying and discrimination at work, the DTI has announced today. The project will provide support, advice and training to organisations trying to deal with bullying.
08 January 2002
Workplace bullying discussed by top UK psychologists
A significant number of British workers are bullied in the workplace leading to severe psychological problems for the victim. This is according to The British Psychological Society who discussed the topic at their Occupational Psychology Annual Conference in Blackpool on Friday January 4.
Workplace bullying discussed by top UK psychologists
A significant number of British workers are bullied in the workplace leading to severe psychological problems for the victim. This is according to The British Psychological Society who discussed the topic at their Occupational Psychology Annual Conference in Blackpool on Friday January 4.
27 October 2017
Model Workplace Policy Launched
Everyone has a right to equality of opportunity in employment and the right to work in a harmonious and inclusive environment and atmosphere in which all workers are encouraged to apply their diverse talents and in which no worker feels under threat or experiences intimidation.
Model Workplace Policy Launched
Everyone has a right to equality of opportunity in employment and the right to work in a harmonious and inclusive environment and atmosphere in which all workers are encouraged to apply their diverse talents and in which no worker feels under threat or experiences intimidation.
25 February 2005
Work your proper hours today, TUC says
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is urging workers to work only their contracted hours and take a proper lunch break, to mark 'Work Your Proper Hours' day.
Work your proper hours today, TUC says
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) is urging workers to work only their contracted hours and take a proper lunch break, to mark 'Work Your Proper Hours' day.
21 January 2002
Occupational asthma costs UK economy ‘billions’
A new report from the TUC has revealed that employers are losing billions of pounds in lost staff, lower productivity and high compensation payouts because they are failing to remove asthma-causing substances from the workplace.
Occupational asthma costs UK economy ‘billions’
A new report from the TUC has revealed that employers are losing billions of pounds in lost staff, lower productivity and high compensation payouts because they are failing to remove asthma-causing substances from the workplace.
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