Wiltshire NHS staff being sexually harassed at work
Unison have called for a law change to protect staff
Last updated 10th Apr 2024
A survey by a public service has found NHS staff in Wiltshire have experienced sexual harassment whilst working.
staff including ambulance workers, 111 call handlers, porters, nurses and cleaners have been shown pornographic images, offered money for sex and assaulted at work.
Unison's research found 1 in 10 healthcare workers reported experiences of sexual harassment, whilst working - including being touched of kissed, demands for sex in return for favours and derogatory comments.
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust (AWP) has condemned the harassment of staff, saying work should be a place of safety for people.
The Government say any kind of sexual violence or misconduct is 'unacceptable'.
Wiltshire NHS trust dedicated to making work a safe place
Sarah Jones, Director of Nursing and Quality, at AWP told us that they had signed up to the NHS's first ever sexual safety charter, designed to tackle and enforce a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment of staff in the workplace.
In her statement, she added: “We encourage staff to report any incidents of violence, abuse and inappropriate behaviour, and we are working with our teams to understand how we can make it easier to share concerns.
She also said that the safety and wellbeing of staff is 'a priority' and are asking all their teams to help reduced violence or abuse towards staff.
What the research found
Unison is calling for a change in the law, meaning employers are also responsible for protecting their staff against harassment from patients or those working for contractors.
Their research also uncovered:
- Sexual assault was reported by three in 10 of health workers being sexually harassed.
- Half reported being leered at or the subject of suggestive gestures
- A Quarter said they'd suffered unwelcome sexual advances, propositions or demands for sexual favours.
- Unwanted crude 'banter' or 'jokes' was the most common issue - being reported by 61% of staff experiencing some kind of harassment.
Other complaints included:
- Invasion of personal space
- Unwanted comments about clothing or appearance
- Unwelcome messages of a sexual nature
- Exposure to offensive material such as pornographic images
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “No one should ever have to endure such despicable behaviour, and certainly not in their place of work.
“But NHS staff often put up with this appalling abuse, not reporting it because they don’t believe they’ll be taken seriously.
“More must be done to protect nurses, healthcare assistants, cleaners and other NHS staff from sexual harassment, reassure them their complaints will be fully investigated and action taken against the perpetrators.
“Employers must take swift action when workers flag up incidents regardless of whether the sexual harassment has come from a patient or a colleague. Otherwise, this completely unacceptable behaviour will simply continue.”
Sexual harassment unacceptable say Government
A Department of Health and Social Security spokesperson said: "Sexual violence or misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and NHS organisations have a responsibility to protect both staff and patients.
"We have a zero tolerance approach and will continue to work with the NHS to ensure that they are taking measures to stop sexual assaults from happening, and to ensure staff feel comfortable raising concerns.
"We encourage any member of staff who have faced these issues to report it within the NHS, and to the police."