Higher paid staff 'bullied more'

Last Modified: 05 Sep 2008
Source: PA News

One in seven people have been bullied at work, with higher paid staff most likely to have problems, according to new research.

A study of almost three million adults by the TUC showed that workers in the public sector suffered more bullying than those in private firms.

Men were more likely than women to be bullied, while the biggest problems were among people aged between 45 and 54.

Around 14% of those questioned said they had been bullied in their current job, while one in five said bullying was an issue in their workplace.

Workers earning under £20,000 a year reported much less bullying than those paid up to £60,000.

Employees in the East Midlands faced the most bullying, while those in eastern England were least likely to be bullied, according to the report.

TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "This level of bullying at work is completely unacceptable. It is particularly disturbing that more people complain of bullying in the public sector.

"Every organisation needs to have an anti-bullying policy, and every manager should ensure that there is zero tolerance of bullying either by line managers or workmates."

The TUC said it was supporting a Ban Bullying at Work Day on November 7 run by the Andrea Adams Trust, whose chief executive, Lyn Witheridge, said: "We encourage every employer to become involved and use this opportunity to participate in the wide array of activities provided by the Ban Bullying at Work campaign."

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