Launch of Landmark Report on Bullying in the Workplace

From the Health and Safety Agency in the Republic of Ireland

10 April 2001

The Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying set up by Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs, Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D., under the auspices of the Health & Safety Authority today (10th April 2001) launched the Report of its findings which includes a new definition of workplace bullying and a comprehensive series of recommendations.

According to the National Survey carried out by the ESRI on behalf of the Task Force, a total of 7% of those currently in the workforce record themselves as having been bullied in the six months preceding the Survey. The Report also states that the incidence rate among women is 1.8 times higher than that among men, and the rate among employees is 3.6 times that among the self-employed.

"The Report recognises that bullying is a legitimate workplace issue and that the prevention of, and the response to, the issue is something that requires action and involvement at State level, at enterprise level as well as at the level of each individual. I have no hesitation in endorsing this Report and its recommendations, and I have specifically asked all parties to take decisive action on their implementation as soon as possible." said Minister Kitt.

A significant feature of the Report is the agreed definition of workplace bullying which was arrived at by the Task Force. According to the Report, workplace bullying is "repeated inappropriate behaviour, direct or indirect, whether verbal, physical or otherwise, conducted by one or more persons against another or others, at the place of work and/or in the course of employment, which could reasonably be regarded as undermining the individual's right to dignity at work. An isolated incident of the behaviour described in this definition may be an affront to dignity at work but as a once off incident is not considered to be bullying".

"The definition we are recommending is based on valid research and careful analysis of the concept of workplace bullying. I am confident that it represents a practical, clear and workable definition for use in the Irish context", said Dr Eileen Doyle, Chairman of the Task Force.

A further significant recommendation of the Task Force is that every workplace should have a Dignity at Work Charter and a separate and specific written anti-bullying policy tailored to suit each organisation's requirements. The Report gives detailed guidelines on both.

The Task Force also recommends that the Health and Safety Authority provide a centrally co-ordinated response to the prevention of workplace bullying.

Said Dr. Doyle "A co-ordinated State approach to offering appropriate prevention and advisory services will greatly help individual enterprises to tackle the issue of workplace bullying at an early stage".

Commenting on the report Mr Frank Cunneen, Chairman of the Health & Safety Authority said "we welcome the challenges which are contained in the recommendations and I believe and hope that the efforts put into this will help rid workplaces of this particularly cruel form of injury to the mind and spirit of the victim"

Mr Tom Walsh, Director General of the Health & Safety Authority said " this Report gives clear direction as to how the challenges posed by this complex issue can be met, and we will be examining its recommendations in great detail in relation to the specific arrangements and requirements involved in order to progress its recommendations without delay."

Among the other work carried out by the Task Force was a through audit of existing legislation impacting on workplace bullying. The Task Force found that existing legislation is comprehensive in its application and it did not, therefore, recommend that any new or amending legislation be introduced. However, the Report does recommend the development by the relevant State Agencies of three parallel Codes of Practice on workplace bullying/harassment with a view to giving practical guidance in relation to the meaning and implications of the relevant legislation, as well as providing the various State Agencies with a reference point from which to offer advice and assistance.

For further information please contact:
Ms Carmel Kearns
Press Officer
Health and Safety Authority
10 Hogan Place Dublin 2
Ph: (01) 6147067
Email: carmel_kearns@hsa.ie

Notes for Editors:
The Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying was established in September 1999 with a view to meeting the following terms of reference:
To identify the size of the problem
To develop practical programmes and strategies to prevent workplace bullying
To produce a co-ordinated response from State Agencies and to report to the Minister
Chaired by Dr Eileen Doyle, the Task Force was comprised of members from government departments, various agencies and representatives from bodies dealing with workplace welfare and equality issues.

Back to press releases index