Unions demand stronger protections as survey finds alarming workplace abuse

• Unions are demanding enhanced protection for workers after a Trades Union Congress (TUC) survey revealed widespread violence and abuse in the workplace.
• The TUC survey of 5,000 employees found that four in five had experienced some form of abuse or violence, including physical assaults, threats and sexual harassment, in the last year.
• Incidents, often occurring weekly or more frequently, affect various sectors such as education, transport and health, with perpetrators including customers, the public, colleagues and managers.
• Underreporting is a significant problem, as half of those not reporting believed it was “part of the job” and one in three felt their concerns would not be taken seriously.
• The TUC and the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health are urging employers to implement robust controls, provide staff training, and the government to reinvest in the Health and Safety Executive.

IN FULL

Four in five people have experienced abuse or violence at work, research finds