Only a new law will stop the workplace bullies, says TUC

Around two million people have been bullied at work in the past six months, many of them by their managers, according to figures published today to coincide with the TUC-supported Ban Bullying at Work Day.

At a launch in London later today, organised by the Andrea Adams Trust, the TUC is calling on the Government to change the law to prevent millions more workers becoming the new victims of the UKís office bullies.

Bullying and the inability of most employers to deal with the growing problem accounts for the loss of some 18 million working days each year. The victims of bullying often have their confidence undermined to such an extent that they no longer feel able to do their jobs, many feel they have no option but to go off sick, while others are forced to find alternative employment.

A recent TUC survey of over 5,000 employees revealed that in three quarters of bullying incidents, the perpetrator had been a manager or supervisor. But managers themselves are often bullied in turn by their bosses. A UNISON/ACAS survey found that almost half (49 per cent) of middle managers have fallen victim at some point.

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.

Ban Bullying at Work Day is a good way of drawing attention to the workplace problem which forces many of its victims to suffer in silence. A new dignity at work bill, which outlaws bullying at work, would help employers better get to grips with this ugly phenomenon of 21st century Britain at work.

Ban Bullying at Work Day has been organised by the Andrea Adams Trust, a non-profit making charity set up to provide help and support to people who have been bullied at work. WorkSMART, the TUCís working life website, contains practical advice and information aimed at helping those who have been targeted by bullies www.worksmart.org.uk