Bullies target disabled workers
Bullies target disabled workers
More than a third of disabled workers are currently being bullied, according to a UNISON poll. The new statistics, released at UNISON's annual disabled members' conference, reveal 35 per cent of the members surveyed said they suffered at the hands of bullies over the past six months, with 22 per cent saying that the problem is continuing. Many believed that their disability was the reason they were bullied or harassed. The union says its findings add weight to a key demand of its Bully Busters campaign, which is urging the government to revise the current Dignity in the Workplace Bill to include an anti-bullying policy to be enforced by employers. UNISON general secretary, Dave Prentis, said: 'These figures amount to a huge number of staff suffering in silence at the hands of bullies, while employers turn their back on the issue. Many people do not realise that a drip feed of bullying behaviour can be as devastating as a major incident.' He added: 'Serious mental and physical illness is a common result for victims of bullying and this can have a serious effect for disabled workers. We need clear, enforceable bullying legislation to change attitudes now. UNISON is committed to banning the bully and it is important for disabled people to know that joining a union, especially during turbulent economic times, is crucial.'
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox