Labour Union Digest bullying and harassment in the workplace newsfeed

Pregnant staff face new wave of bullying in recession 18/08/09

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:47:18 +0100

Deciding whether to start a family is a major decision in any woman's life, and it is well established that having children can have a long-term impact on career prospects. But there is growing evidence that as redundancies rocket in the worst recession since the 1930s, women taking maternity leave face even worse discrimination than in happier economic times.

Traffic wardens bullied and humiliated 01/08/09

Sat, 1 Aug 2009 09:36:37 +0100

Parking enforcement officers face humiliation if they fail to meet their targets for issuing parking fines, unions have claimed. Unite and UNISON say wardens are often very poorly paid and have to work in a pressured, target-driven environment where they are often bullied and humiliated if they don't reach targets. Unite national officer Peter Allenson said: There are targets that they need to meet and if they don't meet these targets then there are certain things being used against them such as shift swaps and overtime allocation and this is unacceptable.

Student midwives bullied by senior nurses with gang-culture mentality 29/07/09

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:59:53 +0100

Britain's next generation of midwives is being bullied by senior nurses with a gang culture mentality, a new survey has found. Student midwives say they are belittled and shouted at in front of staff if they ask for help - and that the abuse is ruining their self-esteem and confidence. More than half those questioned in the survey said they had been badly treated in their workplace.

Research unit seeks bullying victims 29/07/09

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 17:58:12 +0100

THE UK’s only centre for research into workplace behaviours is looking for people who have been bullied in the workplace to take part in its important research. The Centre for Research on Workplace Behaviours at the University of Glamorgan’s Business School is conducting a piece of research and would like to hear from people who consider that they are being bullied in the workplace.

Welsh-speaking worker bullied by boss 22/05/09

Fri, 22 May 2009 20:56:22 +0100

The front page of the North Wales Daily Post on May Day splashed a story of a worker at the Holyhead Morrisons store who had felt compelled to quit his job after being told not to speak Welsh. The last straw was when he asked another worker in Welsh to move some items into the store warehouse, when the store manager (who doesn't speak Welsh) was passing by. The manager asked him not to speak in Welsh as he thought the workers might be talking about him. On the face of it, this amounts to bullying a worker into speaking a particular language.

Bullying claim courts martial get under way 10/04/09

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:05:39 +0100

The court martial of four military training instructors accused of bullying and harassment at the UK’s biggest Army base is due to begin in Northern Ireland today. Opening submissions from Crown prosecution lawyers are expected to be heard by the court at RAF Aldergrove this afternoon. However evidence is unlikely to be heard until next week. The trial is expected to last for at least two weeks. The instructors are facing a total of 19 charges in the military trial relating to complaints from seven recruits who underwent basic training at Catterick garrison between October 2007 and February 2008.

Health chiefs vow to tackle NHS abuse 10/04/09

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:03:30 +0100

ALMOST a fifth of NHS Oldham staff have experienced harassment, bullying or abuse at work over the past 12 months. Hundreds of employees took part in a national survey to rate their work place. And 18 per cent, compared with 16 per cent nationally, said they had suffered at the hands of patients or relatives. Three per cent of the 425 questioned said they had suffered physical violence from colleagues.

ITV Tyne Tees newsroom's six years of bullying scandals 10/04/09

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:02:01 +0100

An ITV regional newsroom in the north-east is at the centre of a bullying scandal that has cost the company about £1m, the Guardian can reveal. A series of investigations have taken place at the Tyne Tees newsroom amid allegations of racism, sexism and inappropriate comments about ethnic minorities and disabled people made by a manager, who was later paid off, claiming the comments were merely black humour. The complaints led to managers and journalists leaving the company with large pay-offs.

Awol pair were bullied 13/03/09

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:43:20 +0000

The mother of a soldier who has gone Awol with a colleague from their barracks in Wiltshire has said they were beaten and bullied. Privates Andre Treble and Andrew Jones, both aged 22, fled Buckley Barracks near Hullavington, Wiltshire, 11 days ago. The Ministry of Defence said it knew of the allegations by the pair, of 9 Regiment RLC, adding that any recruit who falls short of the Army's high standards would be disciplined. Pte Jones's mother, Anne Evans, said her son had been verbally bullied after breaking from the pack and standing up for Pte Treble who was first picked on after testing positive for cannabis in February.

Stop bullying at BT 10/03/09

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:02:52 +0000

Hundreds of BT engineers and members of CWU Solent branch, staged a mass demo in Southampton on 28 February to protest at the highly aggressive approach at work by BT managers over performance targets and sickness. "Workers with decades of exemplary service to the company have been threatened and tagged as under performers and threatened with dismissal. Others have had pay increases withheld or reduced for the crime of being sick," stated the CWU leaflet. BT is currently seeking redundancies, but sacking people who face disciplinaries is obviously much cheaper.

Armed forces criticised over bullying 09/03/09

Mon, 9 Mar 2009 15:22:11 +0000

The armed forces need a step change in the way they deal with allegations of bullying and harassment, and too few come forward when things go wrong, often for fear of being seen as a troublemaker, the services' new complaints watchdog warned yesterday. In her first annual report, Susan Atkins, the service complaints commissioner, said armed forces personnel lacked confidence in the system for dealing with claims of abuse. She warned commanding officers their careers could be on the line if they failed to investigate complaints effectively.

Police bullied me, says ex-officer 27/02/09

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:14:31 +0000

A FORMER police officer has broken his silence and told of the bullying he received while he was a serving officer in Jersey. Now living in Australia, former firearms officer Chris Holmes has alleged how he received rats’ tails in the post and had his car trashed for giving evidence in court against corrupt fellow officers. He has claimed that senior management forced him out of the force because he criticised former deputy police chief Lenny Harper for the way he responded to an armed siege in 2006.

Carmarthenshire NHS Trust found negligent over long-term bullying 27/02/09

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:13:06 +0000

CARMARTHENSHIRE NHS Trust was told to dig deep for damages on Thursday after information manager Nanette Bowen suffered a nervous breakdown because of bullying. Ms Bowen has been unable to return to work after being bullied and harassed over a three-year-period. Public-sector union UNISON has helped Ms Bowen, who worked at the Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli, take action against her employer.

Black trainee doctor sues college for £300,000 for racist bullying by fellow students 22/02/09

Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:50:19 +0000

A black medical student is suing her college for 300k after claiming it was institutionally racist in failing to stop alleged bullying by fellow medics. Virginia Jibowu, 25, claims that fellow students at King's College medical school refused to eat or share a shower room with her. She is suing the college - part of the University of London - for harassment, race discrimination and victimisation. Miss Jibowu enrolled on a six-year medical degree course for students from disadvantaged backgrounds in 2002. She said students on her course had to wear a special badge, which led to them being bullied by those on the regular five-year degree.

Working for less to avoid bullying 19/02/09

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:44:07 +0000

Social workers once employed in Reading are working for less cash in nearby authorities because of the regime of bullying, says a former social worker. The woman, who worked in children’s services and is now happy at a neighbouring council, said: I can’t believe that I am still afraid to give my name to you and I haven’t worked in Reading since 2007. I am even nervous about giving you my mobile phone number just in case this is somehow traced back to me. That is how bad it was. I am annoyed that it can still get to me.

Union bosses square off in bullying row 19/02/09

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:42:23 +0000

UNITE, the UK's biggest private sector trade union, is awash with allegations of bullying after it emerged that three key officials in its political department have been off work for much of the past few months on full pay. They claim that they were bullied by Gordon Brown's combative former spin doctor, Charlie Whelan. The allegations of bullying against Whelan have fuelled a backlash against joint General Secretary Derek Simpson who backed Whelan's appointment.

Bullying scientist made sexist remarks to female lab assistants 04/02/09

Wed, 4 Feb 2009 15:40:25 +0000

James Basey created a poisonous atmosphere at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, in which staff were made to feel intimidated and undermined it was alleged. Mr Basey, who earned 60k a year, referred to a female assistant as a slut and a grunt during a two-and-a-half year campaign of harassment, the tribunal heard. The conduct and competence hearing of the Health Professions Council (HPC) follows complaints by the hospital's medical laboratory assistants (MLAs).

Bullying problem at hospital 24/01/09

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:35:09 +0000

BULLYING and harassment is a widespread problem at Newham General Hospital with the majority of workers there believing it occurs and more than a quarter having fallen victim to such abuse, according to a staff survey. Upon discovering the results- which covered just a six month period- hospital chiefs decided immediate action was necessary, a meeting of Newham University Hospital Trust's board of directors and bosses were told.

Workplace bullying blamed for Dati's return to work 11/01/09

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:57:59 +0000

Workplace bullying by President Nicolas Sarkozy was the real reason why the French justice minister returned to work five days after having a baby, the former presidential candidate, Ségolène Royal, said yesterday. Mme Royal - who has four children and was the first French minister to give birth while in office - jumped to the support of her bitter political enemy, Rachida Dati, whose rapid resumption of her duties has been criticised by women's groups. Mme Dati's decision was hers alone and the criticism is indecent and injust, Mme Royal said. The Socialist politician went on, however, to lambast President Sarkozy for making an important policy announcement in Mme Dati's area of responsibility so soon after she gave birth to a baby girl.

Officers lodge bullying complaints 30/12/08

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:39:06 +0000

SIX police officers with the Lothian and Borders force submitted complaints to bosses claiming they were suffering from bullying and harassment by colleagues. The officers and another three police support staff all made bullying complaints between April 2007 and March 2008. Only one of the nine complaints was upheld, while two were withdrawn, two rejected, two resolved with mediation between the parties and one resolved informally. One case remains outstanding. Overall, 19 formal grievances were raised by ten officers and 19 police staff during the year, according to the latest figures.

Paedophile slur was devastating 24/12/08

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 16:39:53 +0000

For William Denison, the managing director of F2 Chemicals, being a SHAC target was like Chinese water torture. His wife quit her job under the stress, his neighbours were told he was a paedophile and his previously tranquil village home became a place of 24-hour security and CCTV cameras. The first signs of trouble, after F2 and Mr Denison were listed on the SHAC website as HLS collaborators, were the abusive letters and e-mails that arrived at his office. F2 Chemicals does not even deal directly with HLS but is owned by a Japanese glass company that had ties to the animal testing laboratory.

Councils bully sick teachers, says union 22/12/08

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:43:55 +0000

COUNCILS in Scotland are using procedures designed to improve attendance management to bully staff into working even when they are ill, a teachers union claims today. The Scottish Secondary Teachers Association (SSTA) warned that some local authorities had introduced unhelpful practices which had resulted in employees being subject to disciplinary action because they had been absent from work after suffering a heart attack or stroke. The union, which represents 9000 secondary teachers, claimed that some workers were also being forced to attend several interviews to show that they were still unfit to work, even although they have already produced medical certificates.

Straight man wins claim over gay taunts 22/12/08

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:42:19 +0000

Stephen English, 56, who is heterosexual, was repeatedly called a faggot by workmates purely because they found out he had been educated at boarding school and lived in Brighton, the Court of Appeal heard. The colleagues knew he was not gay but still suggested, in an in-house company magazine, that he had worn skin-tight Lycra cycling shorts to Brighton's Gay Pride parade. Mr English, 56, who worked as a sales representative for blind and awning maker Thomas Sanderson of Portsmouth, claims he had to leave his position because of the campaign of abuse. He made a compensation claim for sexual harassment but it was initially rejected by an employment tribunal, and then by the Employment Appeal Tribunal. However, the Court of Appeal reversed those decisions saying Mr English had been sexually harassed by the homophobic comments and it was irrelevant whether he was in fact gay or not.

Marks and Spencer accused of corporate bullying 16/12/08

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:41:44 +0000

The GMB trade union is taking up the case of a Marks & Spencer employee Nery Clark, a mother of four children, who was sacked in a dispute over a discount card for an amount of under 5 pounds. This case comes as GMB lodges a claim for unfair dismissal at the Employment Tribunal against Marks & Spencer over the sacking of whistleblower Tony Goode.

Royal Mail bosses accused of using psychological harassment to speed up rounds 11/12/08

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:59:00 +0000

Royal Mail managers are bullying workers into walking faster on their rounds, it has been claimed. The Communication Workers Union (CWU) says that a new system, Pegasus, is being used requiring delivery staff to walk at four miles an hour. Postal workers have told BBC Radio 5 Live that the pace set is unachievable, and that some staff have been sacked for being too slow. Bob Gibson, CWU national official, said: Royal Mail is using this system to meet financial savings without considering the physical realities of delivery rounds. This is putting pressure on delivery workers and leading to bullying and harassment.

Psychopaths have an eye for the underdog 10/12/08

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:06:52 +0000

BEWARE the office bully, especially if you are the workplace underdog. It seems people with psychopathic behavioural traits tend to home in on their most vulnerable colleagues instead of those who might have the greatest value for their career. Contrary to popular belief, most psychopaths are not Jack the Ripper types - often they have never committed a violent crime. But as many as one in 100 people display antisocial behaviours deemed psychopathic. Chief among these is a callous ability to manipulate other people to fulfill their own desires.

Bullying growing at university 10/12/08

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:05:11 +0000

A union is investigating what it calls an ever increasing number of complaints about bullying among staff at Aberystwyth University. The University and College Union (UCU) has launched an employee survey to gauge the extent of the concerns. It said grievances among staff working in the Ceredigion town were rising, but added it was determined to tackle the root of the problem. The university said any allegations of bullying were investigated. The union said a dignity and respect at work policy had been introduced recently at the university.

I was bullied at the Town Hall 10/12/08

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:03:26 +0000

A council secretary who accused her boss of bullying and harassment was found crying and distressed at her desk, a tribunal has heard. But Preston Town Hall chiefs told Debbie Huber, who worked for Preston Council for 17 years with an unblemished record, that her colleague Neil Young had no case to answer.

Police manager threw himself off Beachy Head after he was terrorised by female boss who boasted of sacking 1,000 staff 10/12/08

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:59:37 +0000

A police communications manager threw himself over 500ft cliffs after complaining of being bullied by his female boss. Mike Taylor, described as a wonderful, caring husband, father and grandfather, was said to be happy in his £53,000 job until the summer of last year when Dr Margaret Gardiner took over as head of Information Systems with Sussex Police. Mr Taylor, 51, worked for the force for 17 years but less than a year after her arrival he killed himself at Beachy Head beauty spot in Eastbourne, East Sussex. In a note to his widow Rose he said his work had become a battle.

Disabled are bullied 01/12/08

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 15:02:17 +0000

Disabled people and those with long term ill-health are facing higher levels of hostile and negative treatment in the workplace according to new research published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission this week. The research team, led by Professor Ralph Fevre, Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, carried out a representative survey of nearly 4000 workers. The British Workplace Behaviour Survey 2008 found employees with a disability or long-term illness were significantly more likely to report negative experiences at work

Bullying endemic at Liverpool City Council 01/12/08

Mon, 1 Dec 2008 14:59:46 +0000

Bullying at Liverpool City Council is an everyday occurrence which is endemic throughout its hierarchy, staff representatives have claimed. In the past four years, staff have been off with stress-related illnesses 2,602 times. There were also 45 formal complaints of bullying made against managers and colleagues between August, 2004, and July, 2008. Unison, representing 4,000 Town Hall staff, says that figure conceals a larger number of bullying victims who suffer in silence and hold back from complaining.

Army base instructors to face bullying trial 21/11/08

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:38:09 +0000

FOUR training instructors will face a court martial following allegations of physical abuse and harassment at Britain's biggest Army base. Claims of bullying at Catterick training barracks in North Yorkshire came to light during an undercover investigation by the BBC in September. Recruits complained of being battered, punched and kicked by instructors. One claimed his shoes had been urinated on by an officer.

Workplace bullying is the key employment issue of today 20/11/2008

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:36:03 +0000

Many employees are making excuses for the fact they are being bullied at work, leading the problem to become one of the key employment issues of the day, according to one expert. Lyn Witheridge, chief executive of The Andrea Adams Trust, has described how workplace bullying goes far beyond the kind of teasing experienced by children in the school playground. Instead, she says, it is a brutal form of psychological intimidation, as a result of which, her charity has seen nine cases of suicide and many instances of mental breakdowns.

Bullying And Harassement By CEO At Mudchute Farm, Isle Of Dogs, Leads To Strike By GMB Members 21/11/08

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:34:13 +0000

GMB members working at Mudchute Farm will take strike action on Friday 21st November in a dispute about bullying and harassment of staff by the Chief Executive Andrew Johnston. The strike comes as a result of fourteen months of a lack of action by the Trustees in dealing with staff grievances. These grievances against CEO have been found by management to be justified.

You never forget the person who bullied you 17/11/08

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:37:37 +0000

He's a heartthrob with a successful West End stage career and gorgeous girlfriend. But Lee Mead was once the victim of bullying.. and it has made him passionate about tackling the issue. A couple of years before Joseph and Any Dream Will Do made him a household name, Lee Mead was in a pub in his home town in Essex when he recognised a face at the bar.

In Work Groups With Male-Female Balance Women Experience More Sexual Harassment 16/11/08

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:59:35 +0000

Despite common assumptions, new research suggests that women are not more likely to be sexually harassed when they are the minority or majority in a work group. Instead, researchers found that in most cases, women were sexually harassed at work when their work group had a similar proportion of males and females.

One in 10 Army recruits bullied and intimidated 16/11/08

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:57:48 +0000

Hundreds of young army recruits are still suffering from physical beatings and intimidation at the hands of their instructors, despite a series of fatalities at training camps in recent years and amid allegations that soldiers were being bullied to death. A series of previously unpublicised reports obtained by this newspaper highlight growing concern surrounding the issue this weekend. They include a new annual survey of recruits by the Ministry of Defence that reveals that hundreds report having been beaten or intimidated by their superiors. More than one in 10 of all trainee soldiers what the report describes as a notable minority claimed to have been unfairly or badly treated and, of these, more than one in five said they had been picked on continually.

Backstabbing in the staffroom 16/11/08

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:52:08 +0000

Low-level bullying of teachers can be as simple as feeling excluded and being ignored, but it can have devastating results. Liz, a newly qualified teacher, did not realise she was being bullied. Her complaints about her mentor, a popular and experienced senior member of staff, seemed trivial and ridiculous when she tried to describe them. She felt her mentor was being overly critical, unnecessarily abrupt and verbally aggressive. Unwilling to be labelled a troublemaker in her first term of her first teaching job, she kept quiet. But the problem did not disappear. Seemingly innocuous incidents began to build up, chipping away at Liz’s self-confidence. It affected her health and she was on the verge of leaving her job and possibly the profession. Eventually, Liz turned to the Teacher Support Network (TSN), which was able to counsel her

Ambulance managers in bullying inquiry resign 16/11/08

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:49:49 +0000

The chief executive and operations director of the Scottish Ambulance Service have resigned after an investigation into staff claims of bullying and harassment. Kevin Doran and Grace Kennedy had been on voluntary leave of absence since a probe was announced last May. A statement by the service yesterday said the pair had resigned after it had been agreed that a return to work would be impossible. Details of the allegations were not revealed. However, it is understood a report was written following the claims of harassment and bullying and was given to the SAS board and that the service felt there were enough grounds within the report to move to a disciplinary hearing

UNISON condemns culture of bullying and harassment in meat hygiene service 13/11/08

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:45:40 +0000

The union is also urging the MHS to tackle an alleged culture of bullying and harassment in abattoirs. A Unison survey claimed 77 percent of staff had witnessed bullying or harassment, with 59 percent personally experiencing it while at work, mostly from managers. Mr Watson, Unison spokesman said: Meat inspectors work hard to make sure the meat on our plates is safe to eat but they are being pushed to the limit by excessive workloads, staff shortages and totally unacceptable levels of bullying and harassment. On top of all this, staff are now being denied an agreed pay rise unless they accept sweeping cuts to overtime payments and change to a work anytime system.

4million MoD payout to gay personnel

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:43:16 +0000

The Ministry of Defence has paid out 4million in compensation to service personnel unfairly dismissed because they were gay, a spokesman said last night. Payments have been made to 65 individuals in a series of cases dating from before 2000, when the government lifted its ban on homosexuals in the military following a ruling by the European court of human rights. An MoD spokesman said: "It is the right of each and every member of the armed forces to work in an environment free from harassment, intimidation and bullying.

Gill Switalski, lawyer in record £19m claim, took free advice from employers law firm

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:40:29 +0000

A City lawyer claiming 19m after sex discrimination, bullying and harassment forced her from her job took 18,000k worth of free legal advice from one of her company's preferred law firms, an appeal tribunal heard today. Gill Switalski, 51, did not disclose the free legal advice she received in connection with her own multi-million pound property portfolio, which constituted professional misconduct, it was claimed. Ms Switalski maintains she was left a mental and physical wreck after an 18-month campaign of bullying that resulted in her being driven from her 140,000k job as head of F&C Asset Management. But Ms Switalski's actions in taking the free legal advice from Eversheds, one of F&C's regular law firms, amounted to a conflict of interest and professional misconduct, the Employment Appeal Tribunal in London heard.

A vicious circle 13/11/08

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:38:58 +0000

If you thought bullying stopped at the school gates, think again. Sophie Robehmed meets graduates who were persecuted in first jobs. Getting a job will be a difficult enough task for the class of 09. However, some among the lucky ones who do will face an even tougher challenge: handling the office bullies who like to target fresh-faced, bright, and often fast-tracked, graduates upon their arrival in the workplace.

Wife of Paul Boateng investigated for allegedly bullying black staff 13/11/08

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:36:59 +0000

The wife of Paul Boateng, Britain's first black High Commissioner, is under investigation for allegedly bullying domestic staff at the official residence in South Africa. The complaints against Janet Boateng by black members of staff are deemed so sensitive that Foreign Office ministers have been alerted. A lawyer has also become involved in the dispute which threatens acute embarrassment for the government in post-apartheid South Africa. The Foreign office in London is monitoring the situation.

Economic downturn could lead to more bullying at work 07/11/08

Fri, 7 Nov 2008 18:44:41 +0000

The TUC is marking Ban Bullying at Work Day, Friday 7th Nov, by warning that the economic downturn could increase instances of bullying at work. According to the TUC safety reps survey 2008, bullying was a concern at work for one in five safety reps (20 per cent) a 25 per cent increase since the 2006 survey (16 per cent). In 2004, 12 per cent of safety reps reported bullying as a concern at work.

Sacked and slurred Yunus Bakhsh fights on 04/11/08

Tue, 4 Nov 2008 21:04:39 +0000

Imagine that a well-known union activist was sacked as a result of false allegations that he had subjected his colleagues to a campaign of criminal intimidation without ever being told of the charges against him. You would expect his union to be up in arms. Incredibly this is what appears to have happened to Yunus Bakhsh only it’s both his employer and his union, Unison, that have done this to him. Unison suspended Yunus from his union positions in January 2007.

Beat the bullies 02/11/08

Sun, 2 Nov 2008 10:04:24 +0000

Bullying in the work place is something I feel very strongly about having been a victim myself in the past I very much feel for anyone who is the current target of a bully. It is horrible place to be, you feel powerless, confused, upset, angry and exhausted. It can destroy your self esteem and totally undermine your ability to achieve anything positive. Productivity and self confidence suffer which impact both the individual and organisation alike.

Police worker overly sensitive, tribunal told 30/10/08

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:05:23 +0000

A CIVILIAN police employee was yesterday accused of mentally over inflating problems in the workplace before she allegedly suffered a nervous breakdown. Susan Keylock, of Hillsboro Place, Porthcawl, has accused her former bosses at South Wales Police of failing to provide adequate support after changes to her duties, and persistently bullying her, which she claims constitutes constructive dismissal.

Worker accuses South Wales Police managers of bullying 30/10/08

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:08:02 +0000

MANAGERS at a Welsh police force were yesterday accused of reducing an employee to tears and suicidal feelings after persistent bullying and harassment. Susan Keylock of Hillsboro Place, Porthcawl, accused her former superiors at South Wales Police of intimidating her and failing to provide adequate training when changes to her duties were imposed. At a tribunal at Caradog House, Cardiff, Mrs Keylock claimed the constant harassment and systematic bullying had destroyed her confidence and left her in a state of nervous breakdown, which amounted to constructive dismissal.

Low morale of ambulance workers 30/10/08

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:06:51 +0000

Ambulance service staff across Wales are suffering from low staff morale, according to a new report. The assembly audit committee's review of the ambulance service said it needed to develop an action plan to deal with this most challenging of issues. It said the service needed to improve its communication and resolve apparent bullying and harassment issues.

Bullying claims by 999 staff 21/10/08

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:09:27 +0100

STAFF morale at the under-fire ambulance service has plummeted amid accusations of management bullying and harassment, a scathing report published today claims. An investigation by the National Assembly’s audit committee said staff believe that there is a culture of bullying and harassment in the trust. It found that the strength of feeling among staff was beyond the low morale usually associated with organisational change. The Welsh Ambulance Service has been undergoing modernisation since Alan Murray was appointed chief executive two years ago.

Bullying is robust management at CLG 21/10/08

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:07:51 +0100

Bullying in the Communities and Local Government department is better described as a ‘robust management style,’ the department’s top official has told MPs. Permanent secretary Peter Housden was one of several department directors questioned by the Communities and Local Government Committee about problems of bullying, harassment and discrimination raised in staff surveys. Quizzed by committee chair Phyllis Starkey, Mr Housden did his best to quash the accusations. He said concerns had been raised about a ‘rather robust management style’ in the department, which ‘didn’t really draw out from people their opinion and views and treat them with respect’.

Tribal Culture In The Workplace 04/10/08

Sat, 4 Oct 2008 15:56:55 +0100

The way male managers power dress, posture and exercise power is due to humans' evolutionary biology, according to research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). Prehistoric behaviours, such as male domination, protecting what is perceived as their "turf" and ostracising those who do not agree with the group is more commonplace in everyday work situations than many of us want to accept, according to the research which was carried out in hospitals.

Culture of bullying at hospitals tribunal 02/10/08

Thu, 2 Oct 2008 15:47:55 +0100

A HIGH PROFILE NHS manager has slammed Cumbrian hospital bosses over their treatment of a senior nurse. Ken Jarrold told a tribunal yesterday that he believes a culture of bullying and harassment was allowed to develop among managers of the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle and Whitehaven’s West Cumberland Hospital.

Claims of bullying at leading education authority 27/09/08

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 09:26:22 +0100

Allegations of bullying and a dictatorship culture have emerged from Scotland's best-performing education authority. A report detailing the results of a 2006 study into stress in East Renfrewshire and revealed yesterday shows that many teachers believe the pressure to keep producing high exam marks comes with a disregard for the wellbeing of staff. Principal teachers' focus groups pointed to an authoritarian and dictatorship culture, while class teachers reported a dictatorial senior management style with no tolerance of dissent, and bullying was highlighted by principal teachers and support staff, the latter pointing the finger at the council.

Settlement over cancer bullying 20/09/08

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:42:58 +0100

An executive who claimed he faced bullying and harassment after being diagnosed with testicular cancer has reached a settlement with the firm. Steven Savage, 36, from Finchley, north London, said he was forced out of his £65,000-a-year job at Lafferty Group. The case was settled before its hearing at the employment tribunal. Mr Savage claimed he was ostracised and marginalised by the firm when he returned after an emergency operation. The company had denied the claims.

Five instructors suspended amid latest Army bullying scandal 20/09/08

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:41:30 +0100

The British Army was on the defensive yesterday as five training instructors were suspended amid another bullying scandal. Allegations of physical abuse and harassment came to light after an undercover investigation at Catterick training barracks in North Yorkshire. The Government previously pledged to crack down on bullying in the Army following the scandal at Deepcut involving the deaths of four teenage recruits between 1995 and 2002.

Workplace bullying centre launch 19/09/08

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:03:24 +0100

A new centre in south Wales to tackle bullying at work has been launched at the House of Lords. The University of Glamorgan says its Centre for Research on Workplace Behaviours will be the only one of its kind. Part of the university's business school, the centre at Pontypridd will research the causes and effects of workplace bullying in businesses. Last year 33.5m days were lost due to bullying-related absenteeism.

Wales tackles workplace bullies 16/09/08

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:40:30 +0100

Wales is leading the way in investigating bullying and stress in the workplace which could be costing organisations in the UK 13.75 billion pounds a year. The Centre for Research on Workplace Behaviours at the University of Glamorgan Business School, the only centre of its kind in the UK, is officially launched at the House of Lords tomorrow. It will conduct research into the causes and effects of workplace bullying and other behaviours in businesses and organisations throughout the UK and further a field.

Health minister harassed female worker 07/09/08

Sun, 7 Sep 2008 08:38:08 +0100

The political future of health minister Ivan Lewis was thrown into doubt last night after claims alleging that he harassed a female civil servant with suggestive text messages. The Department of Health confirmed that the woman had been unhappy with the nature of her working relationship with the junior minister, but had chosen not to bring a formal complaint against him

Three and a half million bullied in current job 06/09/08

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 09:42:50 +0100

Three and a half million people (14 per cent or one in seven of the workforce) say they have been bullied in their current job according to a YouGov poll for the TUC . 21 per cent (one in five) say that bullying is an issue where they work. Bullying is more likely in the public sector where 19 per cent say they have been bullied compared to 12 per cent in the private sector and eight per cent in the voluntary sector.

Millions bullied in workplaces 06/09/08

Sat, 6 Sep 2008 09:40:28 +0100

One in seven people have been bullied at work, with higher paid staff more likely to report problems, according to new research. A TUC study of almost 3m adults also suggested that bullying was more prevalent in public sector jobs. Men were more likely than women to be bullied, and the age group facing most victimisation was the 45-54 bracket.

Tube workers stage 24-hour strike allegations of bullying and harassment by management 28/08/08

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:01:30 +0100

Staff working at 11 Tube stations are taking part in a 24-hour strike. More than 90 staff on the District Line walked out at 0400 BST on Friday over a breakdown of industrial relations. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: These are separate disputes but there is a pattern emerging of unfair sackings, a rise in complaints about bullying and harassment, and the failure of LUL (London Underground Ltd) management to stand by staff who are victims of assault.

Bullying crisis in schools but now it's the teachers 28/08/08

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:59:03 +0100

A TEACHING UNION LEADER HAS claimed that at least one in 10 probationary teachers in Scotland are being bullied by colleagues. Anne Ballinger, president of Scotland's second largest teaching union, the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association, believes a significant minority of newly qualified teachers are being persecuted by other teachers every year. She said: "Approximately 10% of our probationary teachers have reported being bullied to the SSTA in incidents we considered serious enough to act on.

Englishman wins Irish race case 12/08/08

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:26:49 +0100

An English pipe fitter has been awarded 20,000 euro (15,630pounds) in compensation after being racially abused in his Irish workplace. The man, who was based in Dublin, complained that colleagues had taunted him because of where he came from. They would say send the Brit in to clear the way if they had to enter potentially dangerous spaces at work.

Sharp rise in complaints of bullying by RMT members 11/08/08

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:03 +0100

A spate of rows over pay, sackings, bullying and staff transfers on the Tube could lead to more strikes, a union has warned. The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union is currently involved in seven rows with London Underground or its contractors. The disputes involve more than 2,000 workers and the RMT said it would look to co-ordinate strike action.

Legal bid over beasting death 09/08/08

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 13:58:25 +0100

The mother of a soldier who died after being made to carry out informal punishment exercises called beastings is taking legal advice over his death. The Army has said it does not allow or condone the informal punishments and has promised a military police inquiry into the death of Pte Gavin Williams. The 22 year old from Hengoed, Rhymney Valley, collapsed at Lucknow barracks in Wiltshire in July 2006.

Scottish teachers stressed out 09/08/08

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:33:16 +0100

Scottish teachers are increasingly taking time off work to deal with stress and depression. The number of stressed-out teachers is six times higher north of the border, a survey of state school staff has found. It shows that all but one of the 23 local authorities who supplied sickness statistics reported rates of stress, anxiety and depression higher than the UK average.

Protests at Royal Mail bullying abuse 09/09/09

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 10:29:52 +0100

Around 300 postal workers marched through Bristol on 4 August demanding justice for the innocent three Royal Mail employees fired on spurious bullying charges. CWU members Colin Tucker, Kay Gibbs and Paula Franklin were sacked following complaints made against them during last autumn's national postal dispute. The union said the firm misused its notorious bullying and harassment procedures to justify the action.

Parents inspired by Deepcut play 07/08/08

Thu, 7 Aug 2008 07:36:32 +0100

The parents of soldiers who died at Deepcut army barracks said an Edinburgh festival show on the issue has renewed their fight for a public inquiry. Yvonne and Jim Collinson's son, Pte James Collinson, 17, from Perth, was found with a single gunshot wound to his head in March 2002. Four deaths at the base are the subject of the new Fringe play.

Council refuses to reveal bullying and harassment details 06/08/08

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 18:43:11 +0100

COUNCIL officials have declined to disclose any allegations of bullying, assault or sexual harassment made against local authority staff in Edinburgh. A freedom of information request was sent to the council, asking for information on all allegations and subsequent disciplinary action taken since 2004. But head of human resources, Philip Barr, said: While information that meets the requirement of the request may exist, it is not held centrally and there is no corporate reporting requirement for this information to be aggregated in a manner that would meet the request.

Slashed tyres and poison pen letters how Ian Oakley bullied rivals

Wed, 6 Aug 2008 08:27:03 +0100

A Conservative candidate in a key marginal seat conducted a sustained campaign of harassment in an attempt to change the political landscape of the town where he hoped to be MP. Most people seeking a parliamentary career pound the streets, knock on doors and give speeches in draughty community centres Ian Oakley slashed tyres, sent poison-pen letters and made silent phonecalls to political rivals. By the time he was arrested last month he had committed 75 offences of criminal damage, harassment and malicious communication against his Liberal Democrat opponents in Watford.

Army does not tolerate beasting 01/08/08

Fri, 1 Aug 2008 09:26:28 +0100

The Army does not allow or condone informal punishment known as beasting, the Ministry of Defence has said. It comes after three soldiers were cleared of the manslaughter of Pte Gavin Williams, of Hengoed, Caerphilly. Winchester Crown Court heard Pte Williams, 22, collapsed and died after an intense session of physical exercise at Lucknow Barracks, Wiltshire in 2006.

A beasting can turn into humiliation 31/07/08

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:48:09 +0100

In February this year a judge decried the ugly culture of bullying which had set the Armed Forces back 15 years in their campaign against institutionalised bullying. Judge Advocate Paul Camp, a court martial judge, made his comments as he sentenced three marines for attacking a colleague in an initiation ceremony in Iraq which involved dousing him in urine and faeces.

Unite the Union exposes the cost of workplace bullying 31/07/08

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:30:57 +0100

The world's biggest anti-bullying project today reveals that employers' failure to tackle the root causes of bullying in the workplace is costing the UK economy 13.75 billion pounds a year. The project also reveals that Black, Minority and Ethnic workers are more likely to be targets of workplace bullying and harassment than other workers and are less likely to have a support network to help them through the experience. The report BME Employee Experiences of Workplace Bullying is calling for better monitoring on anti-bullying activities, including a focus on the experiences of BME workers and the building of BME support structures involving colleagues, managers, and unions.

80 per cent of men face female sex pests 27/07/08

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:15:44 +0100

Most men are sexually harassed by women at work - but are afraid to complain to their employer, say researchers. Four out of five male workers had experienced such harassment from a female colleague, according to a study for employment law firm Peninsula. Two-thirds of the 2,300 men questioned also said that sexual banter was inappropriate at work.

Many teens may experience workplace violence 27/07/08

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 11:11:43 +0100

As many as one in three teenagers may have been on the receiving end of violence or abuse at work, survey findings suggest. Most working teenagers and their parents probably do not think that workplace violence is something they need to be concerned about, but they should, Dr. Kimberly J. Rauscher told Reuters Health. In the US, most teens work in the retail sector which involves a great deal of customer contact and cash handling - both known risk factors for workplace violence and criminal activity, said Rauscher, from the Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

NUJ survey shows bullying is rife 27/07/08

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:54:34 +0100

Nine out of ten journalists who responded to an NUJ survey have been affected by bullying. The survey, carried out on the union's website, showed that 74 per cent of respondents had themselves been bullied whilst a further 18 per cent had witnessed it happening in their workplace. The survey backs up anecdotal evidence that indicates bullying is a major workplace problem in many media companies.

Leeds Met staff stressed and losing sleep over management bullying 26/07/08

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:28:21 +0100

Over two thirds (68 percent) of staff surveyed at Leeds Metropolitan University have suffered stress because of bullying from their managers. A similar number (67 percent) said they had become angry as a result of how they were treated and over three fifths had lost sleep (62 percent) or become anxious (61percent). The survey of UCU members at LMU paints a worrying picture of a bullying culture at the university. The survey was sparked by fears from the local union branch that staff members health was suffering because of a bullying culture. The union was forced to survey its members after the universitys human resources (HR) department refused to.

T5 Workers To Be Balloted On Strike Threat Over Bullying And Intimidation 21/07/08

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:26:10 +0100

GMB members who work at Heathrow Terminal Five are to be asked in a consultative ballot if they will take industrial action over allegations of bullying and intimidation against managers.Gary Pearce, GMB Organiser said, Morale among GMB members working as baggage handlers at T5 is at rock bottom. Many have tried to raise concerns with senior management about the way they are being treated by their supervisors, but managers don't want to listen. GMB members are saying they have to work in a culture of fear and intimidation which is unacceptable and is why we have opened a ballot over strike action.

Union claims culture of fear 19/07/08

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:46:18 +0100

Engineering members have called on the union to confront the culture of fear that has developed at BT Openreach as a result of the way some failures are being automatically treated as part of the serious discipline procedure. A series of delegates told CWU Engineering Conference in Liverpool how members with 20 to 30 years of exemplary service were being hauled through the disciplinary procedure as a result of the way that managers are now interpreting the rules. Jim Robertson of the Birmingham branch claimed that the disciplinary approach was all about introducing a slave ship mentality at Openreach. It is a culture of fear that our members have to face on a daily basis, said Jim.

Union says college insulted and degraded staff 19/07/08

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:42:46 +0100

Teachers at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) say they need union protection because of aggressive management at the college. A departing member of staff, with nine years of dedicated and respected service, was told to clear her desk and be off the premises in an hour. Colleagues were kept away from her as she was escorted off the premises. Now lecturers union, the UCU, has called the college management's behaviour 'insulting and degrading' and says many teaching staff at the college are frightened to express their views and are fearful of losing their jobs. The college refuses to recognise UCU and instead operates a staff forum which it says satisfies its duties to consult with staff - but UCU say many staff are frightened to express views contrary to management plans. UCU regional official, Nick Varney, said: 'The treatment of this member of staff was insulting and degrading. Many teachers at the college have felt intimidated by the aggressive style of the college's management and feel the need for the union to be recognised so that they are properly represented and protected. Only an independent trade union can ensure this, not employer organised staff groups, as the recent events at the college confirm.'

Tube workers were bullied during strike 05/07/08

Sat, 5 Jul 2008 12:11:47 +0100

Tube staff were subjected to gangster-style intimidation and threatened with the sack while on strike, a union has claimed. Hundreds of London Underground cleaners - who have just finished a two-day walkout over pay and conditions - were bullied and harassed, the Rail Maritime And Transport union said. Its chief Bob Crow claimed employers had used fear tactics to stop others joining the strike. The union wants a London minimum wage of £7.20 an hour - almost £2 more than some cleaners earn now.

Unite challenges bullying in not for profit sector 04/07/08

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 07:21:15 +0100

Unite, the UK largest union, is calling on all employers to work together with Unite to challenge the unacceptably high levels of bullying in the not-for-profit sector. Recent research in the sector revealed that 43 per cent of Unite members had experienced bullying in the last two years. This is well above the national average of one in ten . Unite believes that there are cultural reasons for the high rates of bullying rates in the Not for Profit sector and these relate to the lack of proper HR structures and poor management training.

Journalists union launches anti bullying handbook 04/07/08

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 07:19:12 +0100

The NUJ has launched a new handbook to help members being bullied in the workplace and to give advice to reps dealing with a culture of bullying. NUJ Equality Officer, Lena Calvert, said: Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect at work, but too often this is not the case. One-in-four adults has been bullied within the last five years. Bullying is the leading cause of stress-related illness and is the most frequent complaint made by employees.

British soldier Gavin Williams died of heatstroke in beasting punishment 23/06/08

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:10:25 +0100

A junior soldier died of heat stroke after being subjected to an informal Army punishment known as a beasting, a jury has heard. Private Gavin Williams, 22, collapsed and then suffered a heart attack following the extreme exercise session which was so intense it brought on hyperthermia and pushed his body temperature nine degrees Fahrenheit above the norm. Before he died in hospital, one of the officers who oversaw it was boasting to colleagues in the mess that it was the best beasting of his life.

Support staff ‘bullied by demon heads’ 21/06/08

Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:56:25 +0100

Unison conference told of fear, long hours and low pay among non-teaching staff in schools School support staff complained this week that they were being routinely bullied and intimidated by demon headmasters. The national conference for Unison, which represents around half of Britain’s school support staff, heard that some were forced to teach classes or work extra hours without pay by heads who told them that children’s education would otherwise suffer. Others had phoned union representatives for help from inside cupboards because they were scared to be caught complaining.

Ex-Liverpool City Council employee launches anti-workplace bullying e-petition 16/06/08

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:23:16 +0100

An ex- Liverpool city council worker who alleges she was subjected to bullying and oppressive behaviour for 12 months has launched a campaign for a change in the law in relation to workplace bullying investigations. She made a formal complaint to the Local Government Ombudsman with regards to the way Liverpool City Council dealt with her Grievance and Appeal, but was informed that they were unable to investigate personnel matters. The Grievance was based on Bullying and Oppressive Behaviour but witnesses to the events were not questioned on the matters. According to Vicky there are public policy issues beyond her individual dispute in the way in which the system is administered, the inability for a grievance to be addressed fairly and dispassionately, and the need for the equivalent of an ombudsman to be able to investigate such contested cases.

Church of England tackles rise in bullying vicars 03/06/08

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 21:03:57 +0100

An increase in bullying in the Church of England has led to bishops being urged to introduce harassment advisers. The recommendation is included in new guidelines drawn up in response to claims that the Church has not been supportive enough to bullied vicars and other ecclesiastical workers. Instances of bullying by congregations or the hierarchy within religious organisations have doubled over the last five years, according to Unite, the trade union, which has 2,500 members in its faith-workers section.

Ambulance chiefs face probe into ‘bullying’ 03/06/08

Tue, 3 Jun 2008 15:35:34 +0100

The Scottish Ambulance Service is embroiled in a new crisis as a probe was launched into claims that staff are being bullied and harassed by its two most senior managers. Chief executive Kevin Doran and operations director Grace Kennedy have taken voluntary leave of absence following the announcement that claims they intimidated workers are to be investigated by an independent panel. One worker told the Press and Journal that staff were completely disillusioned about the new style of management and the autocratic railroading of huge changes.

F&C Asset Management loses appeal against £19m discrimination and bullying claim from Gill Switalski 28/05/08

Wed, 28 May 2008 07:47:49 +0100

The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has ruled in favour of the City lawyer whose discrimination and bullying claim is worth £19m - the largest amount on record. Gill Switalski quit her £140,000-a-year job as head of legal affairs last September following bullying about her working hours and because she felt she was treated less favourably than a male colleague with a special needs child.

Snapshots of teachers’ experiences of bullying inside the education profession 18/05/08

Sun, 18 May 2008 17:14:00 +0100

I am on the receiving end of bullying and struggling to get up each day. I’m wishing my life away waiting to get to the weekend and the holidays. Teachers are afraid to speak out regarding bullying at work as they know they will be forced to leave their jobs. Everyone knows it is getting worse, but they are terrified for their jobs so it is kept quiet. Bullying is supported by the senior management team. They allow this behaviour.

Bullying of teachers by senior staff is common, says union 18/05/08

Sun, 18 May 2008 17:12:28 +0100

STAFF at secondary schools across Scotland are routinely bullied by headteachers and deputy heads, a teachers' conference will hear today. Ann Ballinger, president of the Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association (SSTA), will tell the union's annual conference in Peebles that "far too many" teachers are now subject to intimidation from management. She maintains that in six local authorities in Scotland bullying is "endemic" but believes there are schools in every council area which experience bullying.

80% of teachers say they have been bullied at work 15/05/08

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:56:11 +0100

NEARLY 80% of teachers have been bullied in the past two years, with many telling researchers that the problem was continuing. In a survey by the University of Glamorgan and nationwide charity, the Teacher Support Network, 79.8% of teachers said they were regularly bullied at work. Many said members of their school’s senior management team were either the bullies or allowed bullying by others to continue, causing some teachers to think about leaving their teaching posts or abandoning their careers altogether

Bust-up with the boss? 11/05/08

Sun, 11 May 2008 11:24:00 +0100

Workers accused of theft or damage could soon find themselves blacklisted on a register to be shared among employers. It will be good for profits but campaigners say innocent people could find it impossible to get another job. To critics it sounds like a scenario from some Orwellian nightmare. An online database of workers accused of theft and dishonesty, regardless of whether they have been convicted of any crime, which bosses can access when vetting potential employees.

Clergy bullied by parishioners 14/04/08

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:57:24 +0100

Members of the clergy are being bullied by parishioners while the Church is doing little to prevent it, a trade union has claimed. Unite says vicars are experiencing psychological, emotional, verbal and physical abuse. It blames the "pressures of modern society" for the increase in the number of bullying cases.

Bullying and harassment rife within Lambeth PCT staff 11/04/08

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:20:28 +0100

Nearly a quarter of NHS staff working for Lambeth Primary Care Trust (PCT) have experienced harassment, bullying or abuse from colleagues in the past year, according to a recent survey. The annual National NHS Staff Survey, which was carried out by independent watchdog the Healthcare Commission and was released yesterday, reported that 24 per cent felt they had been targeted by colleagues and managers.

My bullying boss 31/03/08

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 22:24:45 +0100

I THOUGHT I would tell you all about my experience working for an independent trader as a Saturday girl. My name is Katie. I'm 17 years old and studying for my A levels. I don't receive Education Maintenance Allowance so I needed a Saturday job

Nottingham Library Assistant Speaks Out About Uniforms And Bully Tactics 30/03/08

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 18:54:42 +0100

Last week we spoke with Barbara, who has worked in Nottingham's libraries for many years. In this interview she voices her anger over the decision by the City Council to introduce uniforms for library staff. More so, she talks about the ever degrading library service and the bully tactics deployed by City Council managers to keep its staff in line..

Bullying and harassment in the workplace 28/03/08

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:43:51 +0000

The recent increase in harassment and bullying cases has lead to a growing confusion among managers regarding their legal position with regards to this potentially explosive issue. A recent poll revealed that 69% of employees at Law firm Peninsula reported being bullied at work during 2007; this was a rise of 16% from 5 years ago. Worryingly, 44 per cent of the victims claimed they were bullied by a manager.

BBC bullying killed my wife, says widower 24/03/08

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:14:10 +0000

The widower of a senior BBC executive who killed herself by walking into the sea has blamed the corporation for her death. Kari Boto, 53, a mother of three, drowned at Felixstowe, Suffolk last June, two weeks after resigning her post. Her husband Tom Boto made an outspoken attack on the corporation yesterday, saying she was bullied and given no support after uncovering "rotten work practices" at the World Service Trust.

Nurses' Health And Careers Threatened By Bullying 21/02/08

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:39:44 +0000

In workplaces where nurses are bullied, the quality of patient care declines, the health of nurses suffers, and the retention of quality nurses becomes difficult. A new article published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing reviews the psychological and social issues related to bullying in the workplace and strategies for creating a respectful work environment.

Nurses' watchdog in bullying inquiry 12/03/08

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:34:54 +0000

An official inquiry has been ordered into allegations of racism and bullying at the body which polices standards among nurses. Ministers said on Tuesday that they were taking the claims against the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) "extremely seriously".

Harassed lawyer to get record £13m award 12/03/08

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 19:33:51 +0000

A City lawyer who was left too ill to work after alleged bullying and harassment at her office is in line for record sex discrimination compensation of more than £13 million, it has been disclosed. Gill Switalski was head of legal affairs at an asset management firm, but is now incapable of working and has such difficulty concentrating that she cannot read a newspaper.

Workplace bullying worse than sexual harassment 11/03/08

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 15:52:20 +0000

Whether it is belittling comments, persistent criticism or withholding resources, bullying at work is more harmful than sexual harassment, according to new Canadian research. It is more difficult for employees to cope with bullying because they have nowhere to turn and no workplace policies or legislation to protect them compared to victims of sexual harassment. Their overall well-being is worse, they are more stressed, angry, anxious, less committed and more likely to quit.

7 in 10 employees have felt bullied at work with almost half of bullying instigated by management 22/02/08

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:27:09 +0000

Research released today shows that bullying in the workplace has significantly increased since 2003, with 69% of employees saying that they have been exposed to bullying in the workplace, compared to 52% in 2003. David Price, Head of Employee Relations at Peninsula today said, “You get situations where employees fear coming into work. It is time to expose workplace bullying for what it really is, a form of harassment and in no way should it be tolerated.

Council manager was sex bully 19/02/08

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:24:55 +0000

A senior council manager invented claims of workplace sex to cover up his own regime of sexual harassment and drinking, a tribunal has heard. Tom McNeil, 52, claims he was forced to leave his Aberdeen City Council job after reporting two colleagues for engaging in sex acts. Mary Kearns, representing Aberdeen City Council, said Mr McNeil was a story teller. The tribunal has now drawn to a close and a ruling will follow later.

NHS bosses 'bully one in 12 staff' 05/02/08

Tue, 5 Feb 2008 21:11:06 +0000

Nearly one in 12 staff working in the NHS has experienced bullying or harassment by their manager, according to government figures. An official survey of doctors, nurses and administrators shows the scale of the culture of bullying that has to be tackled by hospitals and primary care trusts.

Charity warns on bullying at work 16/01/08

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:59:14 +0000

Bullying in the workplace is "endemic" in the UK, affecting 80% of employees, the Samaritans charity has warned. The charity said a third of those it surveyed were so unhappy they had considered leaving their job. Its research identified young employees as the group most vulnerable to stress, and the least able to discuss concerns with managers or colleagues.

One in four face bullying stress

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:57:33 +0000

Bullying in the workplace is "rife", with one in four employees suffering stress because of the problem, according to a report. Research by the Samaritans showed that four out of five workers had been bullied during their careers, leading many to dream about quitting their job to move abroad. A survey of 2,600 adults in the UK and Republic of Ireland found that younger workers were most vulnerable to stress and felt unable to talk with their boss or even a colleague about bullying.

Burslem strike Royal Mail’s war on CWU activists 16/01/08

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:56:19 +0000

Royal Mail bosses are talking peace while making war. Behind the warm words of a “new era in industrial relations”, they are trying to break the postal workers’ CWU union by harassing and victimising reps with charges relating to last year’s national postal strike.

Take time out for Stress Down Day 16/01/08

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:55:05 +0000

Licensees are being invited to get behind the Samaritans' Stress Down Day on February 1 - a national campaign aimed at encouraging people to take better care of their health at work. According to a survey carried out ahead of the week, more than half of people say their jobs are getting more stressful and that work is overtaking their home lives. And caterers are among the most stressed people in the workplace, with more than 40 per cent saying they feel unsupported at work - compared with people in health, education, banking and finance, most of whom claim they receive adequate support.

Workplace bullying and stress rife in North East England 16/01/08

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:53:46 +0000

BULLYING in the UK is endemic and for 29 per cent of workers in the north east it is a weekly or even daily cause of stress. More than 80 per cent of people in the region have been bullied during their careers and 42 per cent say they are so stressed they dream of quitting for a life abroad.

Liverpool Women’s Hospital in staff bullying claim 16/01/08

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:52:27 +0000

LIVERPOOL Women’s Hospital was forced to bring in actors to help staff recognise bullying behaviour, after it was revealed it had one of the worst rates of harassment from management.

Voluntary staff in dignity plea 01/01/08

Tue, 1 Jan 2008 15:38:26 +0000

CHARITY workers, including volunteers in soup kitchens, have made a plea to be treated with dignity after a union study revealed they were bullied, teased and criticised. Unite said a survey of more than 300 workers showed that two out of five had faced bullying at work, which often left them feeling humiliated and undermined.

Postal workers strike against bullying bosses 17/12/07

Mon, 17 Dec 2007 19:33:59 +0000

Around 100 postal workers at the Burslem delivery office in Stoke-on-Trent were set to commence a strike over Christmas in a long running campaign against a bullying management. The strike will run from Tuesday until Christmas and then from 27 December to New Year. Twelve workers including three union reps are facing the sack after bosses accused them of intimidating behaviour.

TRIBUNAL AWARDS BULLIED ARI WORKER MORE THAN £100,000 12/12/07

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 21:45:55 +0000

A Sri Lankan orthodontist who quit her NHS post after she was bullied out of her job has been awarded more than £100,000. Sumithra Hewage, 52, took NHS Grampian to a tribunal over claims she was bullied and harassed by two senior nurses. She said she had suffered sexual and racial discrimination while working as an orthodontist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The tribunal heard how bosses carried out a "planned attack" on the consultant after she complained that the system was to blame for staff shortages.

Beating workplace bullying 07/12/07

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 15:22:46 +0000

Statistics published by Ban Bullying At Work Day this month show that one in four people have been bullied at some point in their working lives, and new research indicates this figure may be as high as one in two.

Fight back against staffroom bullies 07/12/07

Fri, 7 Dec 2007 15:20:54 +0000

If you’re a pupil who’s being bullied you tell the teacher. But who do bullied teachers turn to? Twelve months ago Mary was teaching in a secondary school in the South-east. Today she is unemployed, forced out of a job she loved after bullying from other teachers intensified to become unbearable. Despite an impeccable record for more than a decade, she is so shaken by the experience the 46-year-old says: I will never, ever go back into education.

NHS introduces tough anti-bullying measures 01/12/07

Sat, 1 Dec 2007 18:20:37 +0000

Tough new measures will be introduced across the NHS to end workplace bullying and harassment. As many as one in eight staff claim they have been victims of bullying or harassment from their colleagues or managers. And more than a quarter have suffered at the hands of patients and their families, according to the last NHS Wales staff survey.

Council faces allegations of bullying staff 30/11/07

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:27:16 +0000

BOSSES at Glasgow City Council have been accused of bullying and intimidating their staff. The claim is on a stinging list of criticisms levied at managers by their own workers. Senior staff are also accused of lack of clear vision or strong leadership, being out of touch, lacking trust and being slow to change

Celebs launch anti-bullying channel 21/11/07

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:56:25 +0000

Leona Lewis, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Ronan Keating have posted anti-bullying messages on a new channel to fight cyber abuse. The Beatbullying YouTube channel aims to revolutionise how young people access information on how to avoid being bullied.

Concern over workplace bullying 07/11/07

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:44:14 +0000

Bullying at work has affected one in four workers and the issue is a "major cause" of stress in the workplace, research has suggested. The report, by insurance company Royal & Sun Alliance, said bullying often led people to take time off work.

Banish the office bullies, TUC tells employers 07/11/07

Wed, 7 Nov 2007 18:42:23 +0000

With recent research showing that few UK workplaces escape the scourge of the office or factory bully, the TUC has today (Wednesday) called on employers to do more to protect their staff from victimisation and harassment.

British Business Takes a Stand against Bullying 06/11/07

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 19:43:04 +0000

British business is doing more to beat bullying than almost any other country in the world and has saved £3.42 billion in the last 12 months by taking a stand to combat this serious issue, according to new research from global workplace bullying charity, The Andrea Adams Trust to mark Ban Bullying at Work Day (7th November 2007). www.banbullyingatwork.com.

'I faced public humiliation' 06/11/07

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 19:41:52 +0000

Tomorrow is Ban Bullying at Work Day; a message that doesn't appear to have got through to all parts of further and higher education. Academics at a major northern university claim that 42% feel intimidated at work, 37% feel their work is belittled and 24% feel they have been humiliated by bullying incidents.

NHS bosses accused of bullying 06/11/07

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 19:37:24 +0000

HEALTH service managers in Inverness were yesterday accused of bullying staff and costing the NHS hundreds of thousands of pounds in sick pay. A survey by the union UNISON found that 19 per cent of NHS Highland employees considered they had been bullied at work up 6 per cent since the previous study but almost half said they did not report the problem, either because they feared it would make matters worse or because they did not believe anything would be done about it.

A way to tackle the workplace bullies 06/11/07

Tue, 6 Nov 2007 19:35:51 +0000

BULLYING and harassment can be difficult issues to define, with perceptions varying from person to person. But news that an increasing number of NHS staff in Inverness and the Highlands consider themselves to be victims of such behaviour by managers and colleagues is of concern and should be looked into as a matter or urgency.

Ban Bullying at Work Day and National Stress Awareness Day 03/11/07

Sat, 3 Nov 2007 19:21:21 +0000

Organisations should treat any form of harassment or bullying seriously not just because of the legal implications, but because it can lead to under-performance at work. Wednesday 7 November 2007 marks national ‘Ban Bullying at Work Day’ and ‘National Stress Awareness Day’. Bullying and harassment are still worryingly prevalent in the workplace and The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) urges employers to continue to put into place measures to tackle the problem of bullying in the workplace and to invest the resources needed to reduce bullying and harassment at work.

Bullying complaints quadruple 29/10/07

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 20:35:43 +0000

The number of teachers complaining of being bullied by colleagues and managers has increased four-fold in a year, according to the Teacher Support Network, which provides a helpline and counselling for teachers. It is so concerned that it has commissioned a study on bullying in schools and colleges by Glamorgan University.

City event spotlights bullying at work 15/10/07

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:29:45 +0100

Coventry is to be part of a nationwide roadshow to tackle rising levels of harassment and bullying in the workplace. Shortages of skilled labour in the West Midlands brings to light a rising need for organisations to take on a zero tolerance approach to bullying and to have anti-bullying and harassment policies enforced in the workplace. HR professionals, employment lawyers and senior managers from local businesses are being targeted by the Dignity at Work partnership, a joint initiative run by the trade union Unite and Department of Trade and Industry as part of the national campaign.

Bullying from Royal Mail 09/10/07

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 18:53:25 +0100

As the post strike hots up there is increasing evidence that managers are trying to bully workers and break the strike.

Bullying at work-A TUC guide for safety reps 09/10/07

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 15:14:03 +0100

Bullying and harassment is a major problem within many workplaces, however often it remains a hidden problem and can be accepted or even encouraged by the culture of an organisation. Bullying at work can never be acceptable. The TUC believes that all workers have the right to be treated with dignity and respect at work and any form of bullying is totally unacceptable behaviour.

UCU members challenge bullying at Leeds Met University 09/10/07

Tue, 9 Oct 2007 15:09:40 +0100

A survey of UCU members carried out in March this year at Leeds Metropolitan University revealed a disturbing culture of individual and institutional bullying. It followed repeated claims by UCU members and furious denials by the Vice Chancellor that bullying is rife in the university. On Wednesday 26th September the local BBC ‘Look North’ programme featured it. It was the headline item on the programme on Wednesday with an invitation for those working at Leeds Met to contact the BBC.

Are complaints of management bullying likely to increase as public services adopt business practices? 03/10/07

Wed, 3 Oct 2007 18:12:50 +0100

Popular opinion might be that management bullying is a characteristic of the profit-driven private sector but the NHS has been accused of operating a "macho" management culture and now there are claims that management bullying is endemic in social services. Have the caring professions become hard-edged businesses with management styles to suit?

Wales TUC head 'bullying' claim 28/09/07

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:25:25 +0100

Allegations of bullying by the head of the Wales Trades Union Congress (TUC) made by her staff are being investigated, it has been reported. The allegations concern Felicity Williams, who has been general secretary of the Wales TUC for three-and-a-half years. The Western Mail has reported that she has been on "gardening leave" from her post for about eight weeks after a majority of staff members at Transport House in Cardiff signed a collective grievance complaint against her.

Cyber-Bullying in the workplace on the increase 28/09/07

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:21:33 +0100

Peninsula, the Manchester based employment law consultancy today issued a warning to businesses that they must do more to combat cyber-bullying in the workplace. This alert comes after Peninsula's legal advice line revealed that they have seen a 27% increase in calls from concerned employers over the last six months.

Scots firm says Sir Alan to blame for tribunal overload 30/08/07

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:51:15 +0100

Scottish law firm Muir Myles Laverty (MML) has blamed bosses copying the brash style used by Sir Alan Sugar on television programme The Apprentice for the rise in the caseload of employment tribunals. The firm claims that Sugar’s catchphrase, You’re fired, in the show known as, the job interview from hell is being copied by bullying employers leading to thousands of employees resorting to legal action.

Power corrupts, says workplace bullying survey 30/08/07

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:49:39 +0100

Two-thirds of UK managers believe that lack of management skills is the major factor contributing to bullying at work, according to new research. Misuse of power was listed as the most prolific type of bullying used within the workplace.

Facing up to the brutal reality of bullying in the workplace 30/08/07

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 22:47:50 +0100

HAVE YOU ever been singled out by a colleague, undermined at every juncture and treated with the kind of casual savagery that leaves you drained of confidence and dreading the dawn of each new working day? It may be brutal, ugly and completely unacceptable, but every day Scottish workers are enduring bullying at the hands of the people they work with.

Union compiles dossier on bullying at council 16/08/07

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:52:23 +0100

A UNION is compiling a dossier about alleged bullying by senior managers at Copeland Borough Council. Unite, formerly known as Amicus, has claimed the management of one department is dictatorial amid high rates of staff sickness, disciplinary action and suspensions. The union says that about six members of staff tried to file a collective grievance, but the council said it was unable to accept it, due to a technicality over timing.

Bullying bosses 'drive people to mental illness 09/08/07

Thu, 9 Aug 2007 17:55:42 +0100

People with excessive workload's, tight deadlines and overbearing bosses are twice as likely to develop certain mental illnesses as those in less high pressured jobs. Researchers found that every year around one in 20 workers become clinically depressed or anxious as a result of work stress.

CIPD conference to provide legal update on managing conflict at work 28/07/07

Sat, 28 Jul 2007 10:16:22 +0100

A recent report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) on Managing Conflict at Work, shows that work place conflict costs the average employer around 350 days of management time every year. In addition employment tribunal claims cost the average employer about £20,000 a year, rising to over £210,000 for those employing 10,000 or more people.

Gateshead GMB Shop Steward Harassed, Bullied And Sacked By Remploy 18/07/07

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:36:56 +0100

Workers at Remploy factories throughout the UK, some of which are threatened with closure (see list below), have been stunned at the sacking of GMB Shop Steward Wendy Ford from the Gateshead Remploy factory. Wendy Ford, who lives in Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear was sacked last Thursday (12th July 2007). GMB believes that her sacking was linked to her complaint of that she had suffered bullying and harassment Remploy because of her trade union duties.

Anti-workplace bullying campaign launches 16/07/07

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:08:01 +0100

London Brand Innovations has created a new campaign for the anti-workplace bullying charity the Andrea Adam Trust. The campaign, which includes outdoor, online, DM and experiential activity, will promote the charity’s Ban Bullying at Work Day, which will fall on the 7 November

Dramatic rise in complaints of bullying by NHS staff 16/07/07

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:06:49 +0100

COMPLAINTS about bullying and harassment have risen dramatically among health service workers in the Lothians. Almost one in six staff surveyed at NHS Lothian said they had been victims of such abuse in the workplace over the past two years.

Victory over bullying management 06/07/07

Fri, 6 Jul 2007 06:55:12 +0100

On 29 June Manchester Advice (MA) workers closed Manchester City Council's advice centre for the first time ever, due to health and safety fears over bullying management tactics. Jim Cessford MA Unison senior steward Around 35 staff, members of UNISON, took part in an impromptu workers' meeting to discuss how management had imposed no-go areas for shop stewards and tried to drive through structural changes.

Baltic Centre staff revolt against ‘bullying’ director 04/07/07

Wed, 4 Jul 2007 20:51:24 +0100

The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, the £46 million complex hailed as the North’s answer to Tate Modern at its opening five years ago, is in turmoil with its director facing a motion of no confidence from his staff. Insiders told The Times yesterday that they can no longer tolerate his management style, which they described as intolerable and bullying.

Beating The Bullies 29/06/07

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 06:56:36 +0100

A powerful indictment of how society too often fails to take action against bullying in schools, the media and the workplace - sometimes to devastating effect.

Bully case is settled 23/06/07

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 07:59:16 +0100

A bullied council worker has accepted an out-of-court settlement from his employer in a case unions predict could pave the way for further claims. Shaun Kernon, 38, started working for Gateshead Council in 2001 before allegedly suffering two years of harassment from a colleague. He was driven into depression and claims a letter of complaint written to council bosses went unacknowledged.

Three witches caused worker's breakdown 20/06/07

Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:08:25 +0100

A factory worker was driven to a nervous breakdown after being bullied relentlessly by a gang of female colleagues known as "the three witches", a court heard yesterday. Steven Keyte, 46, said his suffering, both physical and mental, was akin to "death by a thousand cuts". Led by Collette Clifford, the wife of the works foreman Michael Clifford, they abused him mercilessly for three years, he claimed, dishing out "psychiatric injury in bucketfuls".

Union claims bosses bullying staff into pay cuts 14/06/07

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:11:26 +0100

COUNCIL chiefs have been accused of using "threatening and bullying tactics" to force workers to sign new contracts, which will see some facing pay cuts of up to £3000. Thousands of employees at West Lothian Council fear they will lose their jobs if they do not accept the new terms and conditions.

Bullying and illness blamed as thousands take their own lives 11/06/07

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:05:11 +0100

Japan began a campaign to prevent suicide yesterday after record numbers of children, women and elderly people were revealed to be taking their own lives.

When does gingerism become bullying? 07/06/07

Thu, 7 Jun 2007 21:20:12 +0100

Name-calling such as carrot-top, ginger-nut or simply red-head can be classed as bullying in the workplace if an employee can prove that it is creating an intimidating and hostile environment. Abuse against red-heads has always been a phenomenon but recently, there have been reports of red-heads experiencing ‘gingerism’ a form of discrimination based on the colour of one’s hair.

Workplace bullying affects at least one employee in ten 07/06/07

Thu, 7 Jun 2007 06:49:35 +0100

BULLYING in work affects at least 10% of employees and tackling the problem can improve companies’ performances, a conference heard yesterday. The trade union Unite told delegates at the meeting in Cardiff that the current shortage of skilled labour across Wales highlights an increasing need for organisations to adopt a zero tolerance approach to bullying.

50 Percent Higher Workplace Bullying In The US Than Scandinavia 05/06/07

Tue, 5 Jun 2007 15:11:22 +0100

New research to be published in the Journal of Management Studies reveals that employees in the US are bullied up to 50% more often than workers in Scandinavia. However, just 9% of employees were aware that the negative acts they experienced constituted bullying, suggesting that bullying behaviour is ingrained in the culture of the US workplace.

No Escape From The Bullies 05/06/07

Tue, 5 Jun 2007 15:09:54 +0100

It happens in school, at work, physically, verbally, even by email and text - now researchers at The University of Nottingham say there's no escape in the virtual world. Researchers are examining the worrying appearance of bullying in the virtual world. Citizens (avatars) of Second Life say targets are likely to be individuals who are new to the virtual world.

Union leader attacks corporate bullying 05/06/07

Tue, 5 Jun 2007 15:07:00 +0100

Gordon Brown will come under pressure today to strip private equity firms of tax breaks that allow their owners to pay as little as 5% tax. Union leaders will tell the chancellor he must reform the tax regime to prevent private equity firms from reaping huge rewards from their investments, when he addresses the GMB conference in Brighton.

Council bullies must be exposed 28/05/07

Mon, 28 May 2007 19:07:26 +0100

COUNCIL bullies who prey on work colleagues should be exposed, a councillor says. Independent councillor George Black has called for an immediate investigation into claims of bullying at West Dunbartonshire Council. He spoke up after looking into a case where a council employee mainatins he was bullied out of his job.

Teachers want bullying answers 22/05/07

Tue, 22 May 2007 19:30:14 +0100

Teachers have shown evidence of cyberbullying to the schools minister - including death threats by mobile phone and on websites. The NASUWT teachers' union showed the threats to Schools Minister Jim Knight after teachers recorded their experiences on a web page.

Harlow lecturers defy their bullying bosses 22/05/07

Tue, 22 May 2007 19:19:11 +0100

Around 70 campaigners lobbied Bill Rammell, the local Harlow MP and minister for lifelong learning, last Saturday over attacks on lecturers at Harlow College. Lecturers, students and parents came to support the Harlow college lecturers, who are fighting the imposition of new contracts that will mean working longer hours for up to £10,000 less.

Woman bound, imprisoned and poisoned in 'worst case of work place bullying' 17/05/07

Thu, 17 May 2007 16:02:00 +0100

A woman was wrapped in cling film, bound up with tape and locked in a box by bullies during a year-long ordeal at work. Jennifer Huntley, 24, was beaten, taunted, poisoned and humiliated on an almost daily basis by two men at a food factory.

ANGRY POLITICIANS ACCUSING TESCO OF BULLYING DRIVERS 15/05/07

Tue, 15 May 2007 21:40:01 +0100

WEST Lothian politicians have slammed what they describe as the “bullying” of drivers by Tesco management at the company’s Livingston distribution depot. They have joined forces with union officials to back the delivery drivers in their fight over new terms and conditions.

Work prejudice takes new forms 10/05/07

Thu, 10 May 2007 21:21:24 +0100

Traditional as well as new forms of discrimination are prevalent in the workforce worldwide, an International Labour Organization report has shown.

Death Threats, Bullying And Verbal Abuse: The Lot Of A Student Nurse 07/05/07

Mon, 7 May 2007 09:46:20 +0100

Nearly half of student nurses surveyed by a London University have been verbally abused while on their work experience placements, according to new research being presented at the Royal College of Nursing's 2007 International Research Conference on Tuesday 1st May in Dundee.

Is workplace bullying getting worse? 26/04/07

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 21:35:21 +0100

A bullying helpline, which aims to help both employers and employees tackle bullying related issues in the workplace has been awarded charity status. The National Bullying Helpline started five years ago and is dedicated to eliminating workplace bullying by offering free support to anyone, whether employee or employer, seeking advice on how to handle contentious, work-related situations.

Dinner ladies were victims of bullying 26/04/07

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 06:54:37 +0100

A group of school dinner ladies could be awarded thousands of pounds after winning a long-running equal-pay battle yesterday. Five law lords ruled that they were victims of council bullying tactics aimed at getting them to drop their discrimination claims.

FE teachers bemoan poor management, bullying and authoritarianism

Thu, 19 Apr 2007 18:59:05 +0100

FURTHER education management is poor and morale among staff is poor, according to a survey by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers.

Bad-mouthing, bullying ... If you want the truth about school life, read the teachers blogs.

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 21:28:04 +0100

In the current climate of competition, schools must guard their image carefully. Glossy brochures are the order of the day, and visitors rarely get beyond the headteacher's study.

What an a...hole 16/04/07

Mon, 16 Apr 2007 07:20:33 +0100

Who deserves to be branded an a....hole? Many of us use the term indiscriminately, and apply it to anyone who annoys us, gets in our way or happens to be enjoying greater success than we are. But a precise definition is useful. It can help you to distinguish those colleagues and customers you simply don’t like from those who deserve the label.

Teachers blame Life On Mars for homophobic bullying 13/04/07

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:11:05 +0100

With its brutal language and total lack of political correctness, the time-warp cop series Life On Mars has been a huge success for the BBC. But teachers fear that schoolchildren fail to realise that it's supposed to be a joke.

Web bosses must block pupils' videos mocking teachers, says minister 11/04/06

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 16:46:09 +0100

Website providers have a moral obligation to stop pupils posting offensive school videos that demean their teachers or other children, the education secretary said yesterday. Alan Johnson told teachers that companies had a responsibility to ensure their sites were properly policed to prevent young people putting humiliating clips taken by mobile phone cameras on the internet.

Harassed employees, dispute resolutions are failing 05/04/07

Thu, 5 Apr 2007 19:14:16 +0100

Workplace dispute resolution procedures make cases of discrimination worse and do not benefit the victim, according to sufferers of harassment on grounds of religion or sexual orientation. In a new survey by employment relations and arbitration body ACAS, the victims of religious and sexual orientation-related abuse said dispute resolution procedures tended to victimise them even further, and usually resulted in their dismissal or demotion.

Teachers urge web firms to act against cyber-bullying 04/04/07

Wed, 4 Apr 2007 21:02:24 +0100

Teachers are trying to shame website providers and mobile phone companies into stopping pupils posting malicious and demeaning video clips and insults against school staff online.

AA recovery drivers face vicimisation for rejecting compulsary overtime contracts 02/04/07

Mon, 2 Apr 2007 15:00:19 +0100

The private equity takeover of the AA led to the largest example of corporate bullying ever seen in the UK and that bullying still continues. For example, this morning, the 300 AA recovery drivers who have rejected a new offer from the AA, which would require each driver to work an average of 650 hours per annum (15 hours a week) compulsory overtime, have been told that they will be individually set up for the sack if they do not accept this offer.

Privatisation and bullying threat to benefits claimants 27/03/07

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:19:46 +0100

Tony Blair and John Hutton, the work and pensions secretary, announced plans on Monday to push through changes in the welfare system. These include a bigger role for private companies and the voluntary sector.

Postal workers stand up to bullying bosses 27/03/07

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:14:48 +0100

Up to 500 postal workers walked out on unofficial strike at Edinburgh’s mail centre last weekend in a dispute over new working practices and management bullying.

Bullying at work: what should you do? 24/03/07

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 08:51:35 +0000

Get on with it, get over it or get out. The bully mantra may not be heard in the staffroom, but it exists. So how do teachers handle it? Hannah Frankel finds out When bullies in the staffroom outnumber those in the playground, schools have to act fast. But many still deny there is a problem – especially when the bully is the headteacher or a senior manager.

How bullying nearly cost one teacher his life 24/03/07

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 08:49:49 +0000

"I felt so squashed, I tried to commit suicide". Hannah Frankel reports on a victim of bullying. Bullying nearly cost Paul, 52, his life. He had worked as a teacher for more than 20 years without any problems but when he and his wife joined a private school in the North East, the head made both their lives a misery.

Are you a control freak? 17/03/07

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 18:43:23 +0000

They dominate meetings. They scrutinise everyone's work. They are the first in and the last out. Control freaks exist in every office and can make your life a misery. The former CEO of IT supplier Cerner counted the cars in the car park at weekends; film director Ridley Scott called his cleaner from across the world to make sure she'd put out the rubbish.

Headache for health service 17/03/07

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 12:01:26 +0000

WHEN NHS staff surveys were introduced by Susan Deacon, the then Health Minister, the idea was as a temperature check on the NHS that would identify any issues which deterred people from joining and remaining with the service.

Bullying and low morale are rife in the NHS 17/03/07

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 11:59:00 +0000

NHS staff have reported low morale and bullying are widespread in the service despite record levels of investment. A snapshot of opinion among the Scottish workforce revealed the majority do not feel involved in decisions that affect them and would not recommend the NHS as an employer.

He wrote the book on work jerks 16/03/07

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:43:22 +0000

Maybe she always scowled as if she smelled something bad while reviewing your work. Maybe he never missed a chance to berate you in front of others. Or he interrupted constantly when you were talking. Or sneaked up behind you at your desk. Or helped himself to your food.

What's the crime, Mr Wolf? 16/03/06

Fri, 16 Mar 2007 07:24:09 +0000

When bullies in the staffroom outnumber those in the playground, schools have to act fast. But many still deny there is a problem especially when the bully is the headteacher or a senior manager. Not enough employers are proactive about workplace bullying, says Carole Spiers, founder of the Carole Spier’s Group, a stress management and well-being consultancy.

Shopworker in line for £120,000 after suffering homophobic bullying 08/03/07

Thu, 8 Mar 2007 22:30:16 +0000

A lesbian shop assistant is in line for more than £120,000 after leaving her job because of a colleague's taunts about her sexuality. Marlene Bielak, 34, suffered months of bullying from Katrina Davies, 27, who would constantly play a Morrissey song called All The Lazy Dykes at the store where they worked.

RAY OF HOPE FOR STRESSED COUNCIL STAFF 08/03/07

Thu, 8 Mar 2007 19:00:25 +0000

A BUSINESSMAN is using anti-stress advice and techniques to address issues in the IW Council’s recent staff survey. Ray Braithwaite, of Newchurch, whose manual Stress at Work and How to Reduce it, a Manager’s Guide, has just been published by Pavilion, has been providing training for some IW Council staff to improve the situation. The IW Council’s recent staff survey identified bullying, poor morale, lack of trust in senior officers, poor communication and staff feeling under-valued.

Increase in bullying complaints 08/03/07

Thu, 8 Mar 2007 18:53:08 +0000

About 400 people a year are complaining about bullying in the workplace, according to the Jersey Advisory and Conciliation Service (JACS). The service, which works to resolve disputes between employees and their bosses, has said an anti-discrimination law is needed to prevent bullying.

Council paid me £30,000 to do the job of an office dogsbody 25/02/07

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:03:53 +0000

IT sounded like the perfect job. After gaining a masters degree and ten years' experience in the public sector Joanne Collins was relishing the challenge of a post at Edinburgh City Council where it was promised she would "lead the management information strategy".

Leadership - how to deal with difficult staff 25/02/07

Sun, 25 Feb 2007 18:02:10 +0000

How to deal with difficult people in the workplace is a continuing theme in management writing and training. What sort of people do we mean? Bullies? Selfish or dishonest individuals? Smarmy folk who undermine you, or spread lies?

The ten top ways to beat stress 21/02/07

Wed, 21 Feb 2007 14:58:57 +0000

Half the British population feels more stressed today than they did five years ago, according to a survey commissioned by the Samaritans. More than one-tenth of people say they have felt suicidal - twice the proportion in 2002.

Ugly Betty highlights new bullying trend 19/02/07.

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:27:54 +0000

Workplace experts say new hit TV show Ugly Betty is highlighting the difficulties in settling into a new job. Ugly Betty follows the daily life of Betty Suarez, a young woman from a struggling Latino family who works as an executive assistant at MODE fashion magazine.

Intel to pay for stress beakdown 17/02/07

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 11:08:37 +0000

ONE of Swindon's major employers, Intel, will have to pay thousands of pounds' compensation to an ex-employee for causing her a nervous breakdown. Tracy Daw, who worked at Intel's Old Town head office, won £114,754 in compensation last May, after stress from her job led to a nervous breakdown in 2001.

Council survey raises bullying concerns 15/02/07

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 13:23:43 +0000

MORE than 2,000 workers have given their views on what it's like to work for Coventry's largest employer - the city council.According to the report, conducted by independent researchers Ipsos Mori, 43 per cent of workers claimed to have been bullied by their manager, 41 per cent said they had been bullied by colleagues and 46 per cent said they had been victims of discrimination.

MAKE BULLIES IN WORKPLACE PAY 14/02/07

Wed, 14 Feb 2007 11:13:47 +0000

SALESMAN Jonah Ditton won nearly £120,000 in an employment tribunal after he was taunted for being gay. He deserves every penny. It sounds an incredible sum, especially as he was sacked by the Glasgow firm he worked for after just eight days. But he was subjected to a humiliating, non-stop campaign of verbal abuse from company boss Warren Paul.

Teachers victims of cyber-bullies 12/02/07

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 16:20:05 +0000

Increasing numbers of teachers are becoming victims of cyber-bullying from both pupils and parents, a teachers' organisation has said. Incidents range from abusive emails to the malicious use of websites and chatrooms, it said.

Bullying office workers are taking our parking 09/02/07

Fri, 9 Feb 2007 19:37:59 +0000

OFFICE workers parking in a small residential close have been accused of "bullying and antisocial behaviour" by residents. They say the parking means they have problems getting to their front doors,so they have now raised a petition to present to the council highlighting their plight.

Victim of gay taunts at work awarded £17,000 07/02/07

Wed, 7 Feb 2007 21:44:16 +0000

A GAY man who was ridiculed in "offensive and homophobic" graffiti on toilet walls at work has been awarded more than £17,000 in compensation. An employment tribunal found that Chris Martin, 32, had been the victim of discrimination and harassment which culminated in his dismissal by Parkam Foods, based in Liversedge, West Yorkshire.

Mp joins the anti-bullying effort 06/02/07

Tue, 6 Feb 2007 15:08:50 +0000

PUPILS showed their commitment to beating the bullies by inviting their local MP to see their work. Students at Bispham High School welcomed Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Joan Humble to review their latest initiatives.

Bullying has to stop 30/01/07

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:16:12 +0000

Channel Four television's Celebrity Big Brother finished last night and Europe's largest anti-bullying project, which tackles bullying at work, has hit out at the show's producers for using bullying as a source of entertainment.

Big Brother bullying highlights major workplace issue 24/01/07

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 06:55:55 +0000

Employers are being warned that bullying is ‘endemic’ within British business and have been urged to take a zero tolerance approach, in the wake of the uproar created by Channel 4’s ‘Big Brother’.

Management by stress 24/01/07

Wed, 24 Jan 2007 06:54:29 +0000

Bosses and neoliberal ideologues tell us modern capitalism has changed our lives and the way that we work. How many of us have had to put up with Human Resource Management? Workers have become used to "key performance indicators", "team working', "appraisals" and a whole battery of measures that go under the rubric of "flexibility" and "modernisation".

Spot the Big Brother bully in your workplace 20/01/07

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 08:23:24 +0000

Amicus union says there are Shilpas in workplaces right across the country being victimised and bullied. The only difference is their ordeal can't be seen by millions.

The Jade in your office 18/01/07

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:06:14 +0000

Bullying in the Celebrity Big Brother house has made headlines across the world. But is the same happening right now in your office?

Woman sues over humiliation from lady-boy insults

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 15:07:31 +0000

A VIETNAMESE woman is suing her former employers over what she claims was months of humiliation because she was nicknamed "lady boy" by her colleagues. The information technology (IT) trainer, who cannot be named for legal reasons, claims that while she was employed by Remarc Technologies Ltd, in Leeds, between January 2004 and January 2006, she was repeatedly subjected to discrimination and humiliation at the hands of her co-workers.

Firms put on bullying alert 04/01/07

Thu, 4 Jan 2007 17:52:19 +0000

MIDLAND employers have been put on New Year alert over workplace bullying following a key House of Lords ruling. The Lords directive has put the spotlight firmly on harassment for the region's bosses, according to Birmingham solicitors Williamson & Soden.

A life lost to officialdom, job stress, and bad boss 29/12/06

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 18:53:10 +0000

Stern bosses not only cause their staff to remain under stress, but they may also cause deaths in offices. Imdad Hussain, a driver in the Pakistan Estate Office, reportedly died of a heart attack that he suffered in his office on December 1, apparently after a quarrel at his office.

Union backs anti-stalking laws 29/12/06

Fri, 29 Dec 2006 10:51:57 +0000

Scotland's biggest union has urged public sector workers to use anti-stalking laws to tackle harassment at work. Bosses at Unison believe legislation brought in 1997 to tackle stalkers can also be used to protect workers against either verbal or physical harassment

HSA publishes draft guidelines on workplace bullying 20/12/06.

Wed, 20 Dec 2006 18:00:20 +0000

The Health and Safety Authority has published a draft code of practice on dealing with bullying at work. The document sets out the responsibilities of both workers and employers in preventing bullying.

Mistreatment is rife, council staff claim 15/12/06

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 19:52:27 +0000

HUNDREDS of workers at Portsmouth City Council say they have been victims of harassment or discrimination at work

Caretaker bullied out of job wins £62k compensation 14/12/06

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:09:54 +0000

A former Stafford school caretaker had an early Christmas present this week when he was awarded more than £62,000 for unfair dismissal. Bob Thompson was awarded the cash by an industrial tribunal which ruled in May that he was dismissed unfairly from Walton High School last year.

Bullying's the devil of a way to win loyalty 13/12/06

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:52:40 +0000

Meryl Streep recently sent a chill down the spine of audiences with her portrayal of terrifying fashion magazine editor Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. But, warns Alison Love, partner and employment law solicitor with Hugh James, in real life, bullies risk wrecking productivity and falling foul of the law.

Chilling anti-strike tactics at Iceland 13/12/06

Wed, 13 Dec 2006 14:50:06 +0000

If you ever thought the class struggle was dead, you should have been outside the Iceland depot in Enfield, north London, at 2am on Friday last week. Some 350 workers were about to begin a strike over pay and management bullying.

Liability For Psychiatric Injury - Can Employers Ignore The Warning Signs? 09/12/06

Sat, 9 Dec 2006 07:52:04 +0000

Poor treatment of employees in the workplace caught the media spotlight this summer following the award of more than £800,000 made by the High Court to Helen Green, who brought a successful claim for psychiatric illness suffered as a result of her treatment at Deutsche Bank

Caretaker goaded by girl bullies 07/12/06

Thu, 7 Dec 2006 14:55:29 +0000

A SCHOOL caretaker exploded into a torrent of abuse against two teenage girls after months of being bullied by pupils at Les Beaucamps.

Whistleblower wins £650,000 pay-out 06/12/06

Wed, 6 Dec 2006 15:38:40 +0000

A council whistleblower received a £650,000 pay-out yesterday for being bullied after reporting his bosses over the misuse of millions of pounds of public cash.

Unions accuse transport firm of harassing US workers 04/12/06

Mon, 4 Dec 2006 15:25:28 +0000

One of Britain's biggest bus and rail companies, First Group, is being accused by trade unions of reneging on a promise given to shareholders not to harass workers trying to set up union branches at its US subsidiaries.

Under-fire leader of council may face disciplinary action 02/12/06

Sat, 2 Dec 2006 11:08:33 +0000

THE leader of a Yorkshire council could face disciplinary action for attending a meeting behind closed doors about a bullying scandal which is blighting the authority.

Sexist bullies 'target teachers' 02/12/06

Sat, 2 Dec 2006 07:49:46 +0000

Scores of school teachers have encountered sexually abusive language in class, a snapshot survey for a teaching union suggests.

Council faces legal action over 'bullying of manager' 01/12/06

Fri, 1 Dec 2006 18:26:28 +0000

A BELEAGUERED Yorkshire council is facing legal action from a senior manager over a bullying ordeal in a case that could cost the authority hundreds of thousands of pounds.

One in three journalists bullied at work 25/11/06

Sat, 25 Nov 2006 09:25:54 +0000

Almost one in three journalists complain of bullying in the workplace. A survey of 1,436 members of the journalists' union NUJ found newspaper journalists are the most likely to suffer bullying.

Politics and gossip top work woes 24/11/06

Fri, 24 Nov 2006 13:40:08 +0000

Workers are sick and tired of office politics and scheming, according to a survey of workplace habits.

Staffroom suffering 20/11/06

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:04:40 +0000

Bullying in schools is not just exclusive to children in the playground, writes Becky McCall. It's becoming more and more common among teachers, with devastating consequences

The season of goodwill is a time to be on alert for 'negative behaviours' 15/11/06

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 18:51:40 +0000

Bullying at work drains the economy of millions of pounds and shatters lives, warns Duncan Lewis, Acas Professor of Workplace Futures at the University of Glamorgan's business school.

Bands kickstart anti-bullying campaign 12/11/06

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 18:42:40 +0000

UNISON is supporting a day of action in London, protesting against the killings, abductions and harassment of political activists in the Philippines.

Bullying, bullying its way to the workplace 10/11/06

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 16:13:15 +0000

Supporting the National Ban Bullying at Work Day, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today reminded employers to step up procedures to tackle the growing problem of bullying in the workplace. Bullying costs employers 80 million working days and up to £2 billion in lost revenue every year.

TUC says workplace bullying on the rise 07/11/06

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 11:02:35 +0000

Bullying is steadily increasing in UK workplaces, according to new figures released by the Trades Union Congress. In the TUC's bi-annual survey of union safety representative, 15 pct said bullying was a major problem in their workplace, compared with 12 pct in 2004 and 10 pct in 2002. TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said bullying was "bad for business and for people".

How a stalkers' law is now being used to catch 'bullies' 07/11/06

Tue, 7 Nov 2006 11:01:52 +0000

WHY is an Act of Parliament intended to outlaw stalking being used to sue mothers-in-law from hell and terrify employers whose staff claim that they have been bullied? The answer? Despite the best efforts of our parliamentary draftsmen, that law of unintended consequences occasionally bites even them.

Greg Dyke, 59, is backing Ban Bullying At Work Day 06/11/06

Mon, 6 Nov 2006 18:51:08 +0000

I've never understood employers that allow bullying to go on. Sometimes they don't know. I've always believed in the simple message that people are more effective and work better if they feel valued by the people they work for than if they feel afraid of them.

Office bullies getting away with it 04/11/06

Sat, 4 Nov 2006 09:10:47 +0000

Employers are failing to tackle bullying in the workplace, warns employment law specialist Jane Hobson. It follows a new survey which reveals that one in five UK workers have faced bullying and harassment at work in the past two years.

Anti-bullying hotline set up for Holyrood staff 04/11/06

Sat, 4 Nov 2006 09:03:46 +0000

A CONFIDENTIAL 24-hour hotline is to be set up for stressed out Scottish Parliament workers being bullied and harassed by bosses.

Employers bullying antics anger striking North Sea divers 02/11/06

Thu, 2 Nov 2006 21:10:27 +0000

STRIKING NORTH Sea divers and support workers have reacted angrily to bullying and intimidation tactics from employers seeking to undermine RMTs solid strike action

Nightmares, Demons And Slaves: Study Explores Painful Metaphors Of Workplace Bullying 31/10/06

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 19:40:00 +0000

Workplace bullying negatively impacts employees' physical and mental health, leading to higher company costs including increased employee illness, use of sick days, and medical costs, ultimately affecting productivity.

Calls to clamp down on workplace bullying 31/10/06

Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:48:54 +0000

Over half of employers consider bullying to be an issue in their organizations, yet just 2% have a functional bullying and harassment policy in place, according to a recent survey.

Civic staff reveal bullying fears 30/10/06

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:20:34 +0000

A new study shows some county council employees in Cumbria are worried about bullying and discriminatory behaviour within the authority.

Workplace bullying affects one in five 30/10/06

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:18:45 +0000

One in five employees has been a victim of bullying or harassment at work in the last two years, according to a report published today.

Bullying hits 20% of UK workers 30/10/06

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 19:18:03 +0000

One in five UK workers have faced bullying and harassment at work in the past two years, a survey says.

Blog bullying hits workplace 19/10/06

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 18:42:52 +0000

Employers could be open to harassment claims due to the rise in blog bullying in the workplace.

Town clerk wins £58,000 after mayor's seduction attempt 14/10/06

Sat, 14 Oct 2006 08:18:31 +0000

A mayor tried to seduce his town clerk by inviting her on a walking holiday and when she refused took his revenge by bullying and threatening her, an employment tribunal ruled yesterday.

Standing up to the office bully: Four tips 13/10/06

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:12:16 +0000

In the corporate world, the bully can cause even more damage -- ranging from severe emotional distress and sluggish work to stalled career progress.

Road worker abused over pay goes sick 13/10/06

Fri, 13 Oct 2006 07:04:29 +0000

A road worker is off work sick after being abused by the public when it was disclosed that some council staff are reputedly earning up to £53,000 a year.