Unions tackle bullying in the health service

Complaints of bullying in the NHS by general union GMB members have prompted the union to carry out a survey to find out whether there is a "hidden epidemic" of bulling and harassment in the health service. The results of the survey will be published later this year.

The union cites the example of a bullying manager who subjected three GMB members to undignified and intimidatory behaviour, including threats and humiliation, unjustifiable criticism of their professionalism and competence. The union says the manager also ignored their complaints of excessive hours and unreasonable work loads.

The issue of bullying and harassment in the NHS is also being taken up by public services union Unison. It has put together a project with South Tees Acute Hospitals Trust to provide "confidential advisors" for staff experiencing bullying or harassment at work and wants to develop an infrastructure of support. The project has won support for partnership funding from the Department of Trade and Industry.

The vice president of the Law Society, Kamlesh Bahl, resigned last month after an independent inquiry upheld allegations of bullying against her by members of the manufacturing, science and finance union, MSF. The inquiry found that Bahl had humiliated and demeaned staff and had been offensively aggressive. She has filed a claim for sex and race discrimination against the society, which she says breached her right to a fair hearing and victimised her in handling the complaints against her.