This year the region’s young members group will be focusing on the problems of bullying and harassment in the workplace.
Three quarters of young members experience bullying and harassment at work – with 7% of those experiencing violence, a survey carried out by UNISON in Scotland has found.
The survey also showed that over 50% of these cases were not reported – the most common reason being that members did not realise that what they had experienced was classified as bullying or harassment.
And where cases were reported, only 5% of those people received any support from employers.
Young members reported that as well as physical ill-health bullying and harassment caused mental health issues such as anxiety, stress and depression. Stacey Davies, chair of the region’s young members’ committee told us:
“I have been bullied throughout my life from such a young age; it really does have a serious detrimental impact on young people. In a way I am considerably lucky to have not been bullied in my current workplace. Although I do know what unwanted aggressive behaviour is like; I have been beaten, called racist names because I am Welsh and I have a birthmark on my face that disfigures me. Many times I wanted to change myself to be a person where no-one will attempt to hurt me or discourage my character.
“I am glad that UNISON’s National Young Members Forum is focusing in on bullying & harassment during Young Workers Month as it needs to be highlighted. Guys you are not alone, together we will fight bullying in the workplace. This year I spoke emotionally about the subject at our National Delegates Conference, please see the video below.”
If you, or someone you know, is being bullied or harassed at work speak to your branch so they can help you put a stop to it. You can find the contact details for your branch here.
UNISON young members’ forum is carrying out a national survey on bullying and harassment in the workplace. Just click on the link below to take part. It should take no more than five minutes and all those who take part will enter a prize draw for three nights at UNISON Croyde Bay Holiday Village in North Devon.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SL5VV5T
The next meeting of the region’s young members’ group will held at 2.00pm on 12 November at the regional office in Bury St Edmunds.
If you are interested in coming along or want find out about your branch or the region’s young member’s groups email Tracey Butcher