Bullying and long hours top job concerns

Workers in London face more violent assaults and threats than employees elsewhere in the country, a survey suggested yesterday.

Problems at work including violence, stress and long hours were 40 per cent higher in London than the national average, according to research for the Trades Union Congress.

John Monks, the TUC's general secretary, claimed the level of "work rage" among staff across the whole of Britain was a cause for concern.

"Workers are facing a rising tide of violence and employers haven't got to grips with the threat," he said.

Overwork and stress was listed as the biggest problem in 55 per cent of workplaces while repetitive strain injury, complaints about display screens and back strain were also cited.

While a culture of bullying was most discernible in London, it was also a big problem for workers in the North of England and staff in one in three Scottish workplaces.

Workers in Yorkshire and Humberside were more concerned about the health effects of chemicals, dusts and machinery. Scottish employers were said to be the worst in Britain for providing occupational health services.