Media

The NUJ journalists’ union is currently surveying its members to find out the extent to which they are at the receiving end of unacceptable and harassing behaviour because of their work. This includes receiving online and other abusive messages, threats of violence, stalking and even physical violence. The survey follows a 2015 pilot study in Scotland, carried out by the union and the University of Strathclyde, which revealed cases where reporters have feared for their own personal safety as a result of cyberbullying.

The union has teamed up with experts from the National Stalking Clinic and researchers from Theseus LLP, experts in this field who have conducted similar surveys of other high profile groups such as MPs.

Some employers do not take their duty of care to their staff seriously enough and fail to act swiftly, says the NUJ, while freelance journalists do not have access to support networks. The union says the survey will help it to better represent members and ensure their safety and security at work.