Unions launch attack on bullying

UNION BOSSES will today vow to ride to the rescue of an estimated five million people who are being bullied at work.

The Trades Union Congress wants union officials to accompany employees when they raise a grievance with their employer to help reduce what it says is widespread bullying in Britain's offices and factories.

Eleven per cent or five million workers say they are either being bullied at work or have been in the past while more than a quarter say they know someone in the same situation, a survey carried out on behalf of the TUC has found.

TUC bosses are launching a week-long campaign to highlight the issue. John Monks, the TUC's general secretary, said: "These shocking figures highlight the need for protection against bullying at work."

The survey, carried out by NOP, found the highest estimated levels of bullying in Wales (18 per cent), the Midlands (14 per cent), the North- east (12 per cent), and North-west (11 per cent). It also found that professionals and managers were the most likely to suffer bullying.