BULLYING AT WORK

Bullying at Work is still a problem. A random survey of 5,300 respondents from 70 organisations including: the NHS, higher education, voluntary organisations, local authorities and emergency services has revealed that bullying is still a major Health & Safety problem at work.

• Conducted by the Manchester School of Management, UMIST, the key findings were that:
• 1 in 10 workers are bullied
• men and women are almost just as likely to be victims
• bullying takes place at all levels, but most perpetrators are managers
• it can be long-term, 39% reported it having lasted for more than 2 years
• a negative work climate, heavy workload and unsatisfactory workplace relationships are all associated with bullying, and victims reported the poorest health with 18.9 million days lost each year due to bullying.

The report recommends that employers should:

• introduce reporting mechanisms and procedures which protect the bullied, but which are also fair to alleged offenders and which clearly state when sanctions or training should be applied
• make managers aware of the effect of their behaviour which may be construed or perceived as bullying (excessive monitoring, unreasonable deadlines and ignoring views and opinions, for example), and
• undertake regular risk assessments and stress audits

UNISON's guide, Bullying at Work, for Branches and Safety Reps (stock no. 1281) and the leaflet of the same name for members and non-members (stock no. 1476) are available from UNISON, Communications Despatch. 1 Mabledon Place, London WC1H 9AJ. Fax back 0541 555568

August 2000