Workplace Violence and Harassment Guidance Published
A new workplace guide has been launched, called ‘Preventing Workplace Harassment and Violence’, which is aimed at dealing with harassment and violence at the workplace. It is part of a Europe-wide pact between unions and employers’ organizations to give useful assistance and aid to companies and their employees regarding how to handle such workplace issues.
The guide is a joint effort by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), the Partnership of Public Employers (PPE) and the Trades Union Congress (TUC). It is also supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).
The objective behind the launch of the guidance is to make workers, employers and unions more responsive and supportive towards the need to address issues of workplace violence. The guide also deals with issues of third-party violence as well as internal violence, and comes with a comprehensive manual on how to recognize, avert and handle workplace harassment.
Employment Relations Minister Lord Young, while addressing a conference gathering in central London, spoke about how workplace violence is objectionable and how the government is taking steps to manage it. He said that it is important for the employers to realize that it is their duty to create a good working environment for their workers. He added that the guidance is a welcome move and is a collaboration of sorts between the employers, the unions, and the government and its various branches.
Director of Employment Policy at the CBI Katja Hall believes that violence at workplace should not be put up with at any cost. She hopes that the new guidance that has been published will serve as a constant help to employers to safeguard and protect their employees.
All organisations need to make appropriate efforts to protect the well-being of staff. Courses by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development are easily accessible and accredited training is provided by reputable companies such as Workplace Law; the CIPD Certificate in HR Practice imparts training and help to managers in the preparation of appropriate policies and procedures to successfully help employers tackle and reduce the risk of work-related violence.
