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23/05/2006
Conference examines workplace bullying
The Labour Relations Agency has said that over 9,000 cases of bullying in the workplace are reported every year, as a joint conference with the Equality Commission gets underway in Belfast today.
A new guide is being unveiled at the conference which it is hoped willl help address the problem.
Harassment at work is the most frequently raised issue in complaints assisted by the Equality Commission, occurring in one in four cases.
Bob Collins, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission said: “In cases supported by the Commission during the year 2004/05 employers paid out £84,000 in settlements of harassment cases. These cases go across all the grounds covered by equality legislation from sexual harassment to harassment on the grounds of someone’s race, religion or political opinion. Just last week the Commission highlighted the case of a young man who alleged he had been harassed because of his sexual orientation.”
“The damage to the image and integrity of an organisation if a complaint of harassment is filed should not be underestimated."
In the UK more than two million people in work consider themselves as being bullied. The effects of bullying are estimated to be responsible for between one third to a half of all stress related issues. 18.9 million days are lost each year as a direct result of workplace bullying.
Speaking at the conference, Pat McCartan, Chairman of the LRA said that these figures do little to demonstrate the additional traumatic effects of bullying.
Mr McCartan said: "The LRA receives 9,000 enquiries per year relating specifically to bullying. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as bullying, harassment and stress in the workplace are elements in the majority of enquiries to the LRA. This is a clear indicator of bad workplace practices and that is why this conference is so important. We would encourage employees or employers needing assistance with bullying or harassment to contact the LRA or Equality Commission for free advice.”
A new guide is being unveiled at the conference which it is hoped willl help address the problem.
(SP/KMcA)
A new guide is being unveiled at the conference which it is hoped willl help address the problem.
Harassment at work is the most frequently raised issue in complaints assisted by the Equality Commission, occurring in one in four cases.
Bob Collins, Chief Commissioner of the Equality Commission said: “In cases supported by the Commission during the year 2004/05 employers paid out £84,000 in settlements of harassment cases. These cases go across all the grounds covered by equality legislation from sexual harassment to harassment on the grounds of someone’s race, religion or political opinion. Just last week the Commission highlighted the case of a young man who alleged he had been harassed because of his sexual orientation.”
“The damage to the image and integrity of an organisation if a complaint of harassment is filed should not be underestimated."
In the UK more than two million people in work consider themselves as being bullied. The effects of bullying are estimated to be responsible for between one third to a half of all stress related issues. 18.9 million days are lost each year as a direct result of workplace bullying.
Speaking at the conference, Pat McCartan, Chairman of the LRA said that these figures do little to demonstrate the additional traumatic effects of bullying.
Mr McCartan said: "The LRA receives 9,000 enquiries per year relating specifically to bullying. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg as bullying, harassment and stress in the workplace are elements in the majority of enquiries to the LRA. This is a clear indicator of bad workplace practices and that is why this conference is so important. We would encourage employees or employers needing assistance with bullying or harassment to contact the LRA or Equality Commission for free advice.”
A new guide is being unveiled at the conference which it is hoped willl help address the problem.
(SP/KMcA)
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06 February 2006
Postal workers continue to strike
Royal Mail employees are continuing to strike after almost a week of their unofficial protest. Postal services in North, South, and West Belfast have been directly affected by the action, and many routes in affected areas have not received mail since the strike began last Tuesday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
