40% in North East 'suffer workplace bullying'

Published 11th Nov 2016

Two in five of us in the North East have been bullied in the workplace, according to new figures.

A new study - coinciding with 'Anti-bullying week' - reveals 60% of it goes unreported despite seriously affecting the victims.

62% of those bullied say it’s affected their personal and social lives, leading to depression and marriage breakdowns and even suicidal thoughts for some.

A shocking 17% think reporting bullying would lost them their job.

Debbie Stokoe is campaigning for more support for employees across the North East through her soon-to-be launched website, Stay Sane at Work. She said:

“People might have to go to hospital because they’re so depressed. It can have serious knock on effects and I think many people who are doing the bullying don’t realise how seriously it can affect someone.

“It can involve derogatory or negative remarks made to somebody over a period of time, systematic undermining or belittling of a colleague or even exclusion from work social events and also undermining somebody’s professionalism or confidence.”

There are now calls for people to report bullying at work. For help and advice please visit: