A bill that aims to provide new legal definition of bullying at work has been presented to MPs.
The Bullying and Respect at Work Bill proposes legislation that would introduce a statutory definition of bullying, to enable claims related to workplace bullying to be considered at an employment tribunal.
It would also bring in a new respect-at-work code which will set minimum standards for respectful work environments.
Formal mechanisms for reporting and investigating bullying at work would be introduced, and the Equality and Human Rights Commission would be given powers to investigate claims of bullying cultures and to take enforcement action if appropriate.
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According to the CIPD, 15% of the UK workforce has experienced bullying at work. Acas has estimated that conflict at work costs UK businesses 28bn each year.
Rachel Maskell, Labour and Co-operative MP for York Central, presented the private members’ bill and has received cross-party support.
Maskell said: “Workplace bullying stories are never far from the headlines, with problems reported in the civil service, the media, the business community, and – of course – here in Westminster.
“Bullying not only causes stress and trauma to all those affected, but the damage it creates adds pressure to our NHS and puts more strain on our already fragile economy. Since becoming an MP I’ve had countless bullying cases and – as things...
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