A Third Of Disabled Workers Bullied At Work

More than a third of disabled workers are currently being bullied, according to new survey statistics released last week by Unison.

Of those surveyed, 35% said they had been bullied at work in the past six months, with 22% saying that the problem is continuing. Many believed that their disability was the reason they were bullied or harassed. In a related survey published recently by the union, one in three female respondents said they are bullied at work.

Unison has teamed up with Company Magazine to launch a ‘Bully Busters’ campaign in light of the survey findings. The campaign is calling for the Government to revise the current Dignity in the Workplace Bill to include an anti-bullying policy, that is enforced by employers.

Unison General Secretary, Dave Prentis, commented:

"These results are another kick in the teeth for disabled workers, who face many obstacles in their working lives and just want to earn a decent day's wage in an environment where they are treated with respect.

"These figures amount to a huge number of staff suffering in silence at the hands of bullies, while employers turn their back on the issue.

"Many people do not realise that a drip feed of bullying behaviour can be as devastating as a major incident. And they need to feel confident that seeking help will not result in further pain.

"Serious mental and physical illness is a common result for victims of bullying and this can have a serious effect for disabled workers.

"We need clear, enforceable bullying legislation to change attitudes now.”