UK government targets workplace bullies

Workplace bullying is a real, but often unrecognised business continuity threat which occurs on a daily basis in many British companies. It results in stress, illness, loss of productivity and extended periods of staff absence, all of which can have a detrimental effect upon continuity of operations. There is also a reputational threat associated with workplace bullying - it can result in industrial tribunals being brought against any company which does not act to prevent it and should the worst happen and bullying drive an employee to suicide then the company’s reputation will be dragged through the dust.

Yesterday, the UK Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt announced what is claimed to be the world's largest project to stamp out bullying and discrimination at work.

The trade union Amicus will lead the project, worth £1.8m, and will work with some of Britain's biggest employers to develop practical guidance to help all employers tackle bullying.

Half the project's funding will come from the DTI's Strategic Partnership Fund, which helps strengthen employer-employee relationships and improve business performance.

The project will provide support, advice and training to organisations trying to deal with bullying by:

* Training employees as counsellors and investigators of bullying and harassment;
* Devising and promoting a voluntary charter on 'dignity at work';
* Promoting examples of excellent employers in the UK and lessons to learn;
* Producing a benchmarking tool enabling organisations to measure their success in achieving dignity; and
* Producing a 'ban bullying' pack.

Speaking at a conference in London organised by Stonewall, the gay equality organisation, Ms. Hewitt said:

"We must tackle discrimination from the cradle to the grave. People's lives should not be made a misery by bigots fuelled by hate and ignorance."

"For too many people discrimination begins at school. And for many, the discrimination, harassment, victimisation and violence that they experience at school is something they have to deal with through their whole lives - particularly in the workplace.

"The best employers already know prejudice stops talented individuals reaching their full potential and this is bad for business. Equality and economic success go hand in hand.

"I congratulate the ten partners who have already joined Amicus and urge many more to get on board and stamp out bullying in British workplaces."

Chris Ball, National Secretary of Amicus, said:

"We're delighted the Government shares our concerns about combating workplace bullying and is prepared to work with us to eradicate it. Of course working in partnership has to be the best approach.

"I'm convinced we'll find very many employers willing to work with us to develop human respect and dignity as the appropriate denominator in all workplace relationships."

The project has ten partners including British Aerospace, Royal Mail, Legal and General, and British Telecom, Remploy, and will be supported by Government agencies such as Acas and the Health and Safety Executive.

•Date: 25th March 2004 •Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: BC general
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