Industry news
Bullying at work figures 'shocking'
Posted Mon, 09 Nov 2009
A new poll has revealed that more than one in three people have been bullied at work in the past six months.
This figure has doubled in the past 10 years, with twice as many being subjected to bullying as in 1997. Most victims, who experienced rudeness, criticism and excessive workloads, said their work and mental health suffered.
In the survey for public-sector union Unison, a third had taken leave or left their jobs, and most were too afraid to complain.
Every one of the 7,000 polled said bullying was an integral part of their workplace and bullies were able to get away with their behaviour.
Dave Prentis, general secretary of Unison, said: "The fact that bullying has doubled in the past decade is shocking. Workers have the right to earn a decent living in a safe environment.
"Only last week, figures showed that 13.7 million working days are lost every year as a result of stress and depression in the workplace.
"We will continue to campaign for specific legislation, which will outlaw workplace bullying, ensure employers develop anti-bullying policies and aid bullied workers through Employment Tribunals.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Unison