What other workers can do

While most bullying is perpetrated by managers and supervisors, there are still workers who get involved in bullying their colleagues or, by their lack of activity, appear to condone it.

The CWU has issued the following advice to its members:

• Never join in behaviour that is aimed at being hurtful to individuals or groups of individuals.

• If there is graffiti in your workplace, report it to management and ask them to get it removed. If managers do not take action, speak to your union reps.

• Never circulate offensive material, including pornography.

• If a colleague is being harassed, offer them your support. This will make a huge difference to them.

• Try to speak out against harassment and abuse. Too many people don’t like what’s going on but don’t feel brave enough to act.

• Always discuss problems with your union rep. Alternatively, ring the CWU hotline.

Workers often witness colleagues being bullied or harassed. The Society of Radiographers offers the following advice to its members:

• Approach the person being harassed informally and in confidence, and tell them what you have observed.

• Offer to listen and take notes if the person being harassed wants to talk about the situation, as the notes may be helpful at a later stage.

• If the person being harassed feels unable to discuss the issue, encourage them to talk to someone they can trust and to approach their union rep.