Only a new law will stop the work bullies

An estimated two million people have been bullied at work in the past six months, a TUC survey suggests. About 75 per cent of the bullying was perpetrated by managers or supervisors, the research found. The figures, based on a survey of 5,000 workers, were published on 7 November to coincide with the TUC-supported Ban Bullying at Work Day.

TUC is calling on the government to change the law to prevent millions more workers becoming the new victims of the UK's office bullies. It says a failure to tackle bullying means it is now responsible for the loss of 18 million working days each year. 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.' He added: '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.'

Briefing document (300 words) issued 11 Nov 2005