PCS: Over a quarter of civil servants in Wales experience bullying

Tuesday, 17 November 2009 12:00 AM

1 in 4 (26.4 percent) civil servants working in Wales have been bullied at work and 44 percent experience negative behaviour on at least a weekly basis according to an independent survey by the Glamorgan Business School's Centre for Research on Workplace Behaviours (CRWB) for the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

The initial estimates released today, show that over 1 in 3 (39 percent) of members with a long term health condition have been bullied and that 41 percent of respondents have witnessed bullying in the workplace. The CRWB study surveyed 728 members of PCS in Wales. PCS represents 22,500 civil and public servants working in Wales.

According to early analysis 47 percent of staff experienced negative behaviour on a monthly basis. Negative behaviour in the survey can be characterised by being 'treated unfairly compared to others in your workplace', 'having your opinions and views ignored' or 'someone continually checking up on you or your work when it is not necessary'. The survey also found that in the main bullying is top down and that less than 10 percent of those bullied are satisfied with the way the matter was dealt with by their employer.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary, said:

"The findings of this survey reveal a disturbing picture which needs to be addressed. Bullying in the workplace in all its forms should not be tolerated. Not only does it damage morale and create a climate of fear, but leads to a more unproductive workforce with higher instances of sickness. Departments and agencies need to address bullying quickly by working with unions to ensure dignity at work and anti-bullying policies are in place, as well as ensuring adequate training for managers and supervisors."

Hazel Mawdsley, Centre for Research on Workplace Behaviours said: "These are early indications from an ongoing study into workplace bullying and further analysis is needed. Nonetheless, the figures are a cause for concern. Whilst some negative behaviour may be expected in workplaces striving for efficiency, if it is targeted against subordinates or colleagues in a systematic way it may be considered bullying. It is particularly worrying that those with some long-standing physical or psychological conditions reported more bullying. Further analysis will help us understand these trends and facilitate the development of effective anti-bullying prevention and intervention strategies".

Notes:

·For further information, interviews and comment please contact Alex Flynn PCS national press officer on 020 7801 2747 or 07833 978216. You can also contact Peter Harris the PCS National Officer for Wales who is based in Cardiff. Phone 029 20 666363 or 07788 968 632.

·The Press are welcome to attend a PCS Conference being held at the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday 17th November at 1.30 pm. Representatives from the University and PCS, including the General Secretary, will be available for interviews and provide more detailed information.

PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union is the union representing civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector.

In Wales PCS have 22,500 members working in the Civil Service, National Assembly and other Public bodies.

PCS is the UK's sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The General Secretary is Mark Serwotka and the President is Janice Godrich

Alex Flynn
National Press Officer
Public and Commercial Services Union
160 Falcon Rd
London SW11 2LN

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