LISTEN: Effort To Tackle Workplace Bullying
A new website is being set up to offer support for those targeted in the workplace.
An Inverness teenager who was a victim of bullying in the workplace is backing a new campaign to stamp it out.
A website is being launched to offer support for those who feel targeted by colleagues.
Rachel Brandon worked in an Inverness shop, but left after complaining about attitudes of managers and colleagues.
She said: "It's these immature people that don't know how the world works, and still think they're in high school and think they can get their own way through making other people feel small and insignificant.
"It was unncessary swearing at members of staff, person insults, and general immasturity from someone who we should have been able to go to with problems in the work place.
"That atmosphere was gone.
"I know people who work in really important jobs who say it happens to them too."
MFR Reporter Derek Ferguson speaks to Rachel about her experiences...
Highlands & Islands MSP and Shadow Wellbeing Minister, Rhoda Grant set the website designed to support and offer assistance to those who suffer bullying in employment.
The site called Tobie (Tackling Oppressive Behaviour In Employment) can be found at www.tobie.org.uk.
She said: “ It is a sad reflection on society in the 21st century when bullying is rife within the work place as well as at schools, colleges and in other forms of life.
"The individual who suffers at the hands of bullies is scarred for a very long time if not for life.
"Such behaviour causes mental health issues to the innocent sufferer who is subject to bouts of anxiety, depression, stress, associated illnesses and ultimately absence from work”.
“Employers have a key role to play in trying to stamp out this anti social and unacceptable behaviour and as a stepping stone in the right direction, every employer should make sure they have an anti bullying policy which all staff are aware of.
"I would like to think that any acts of bullying within the workplace will be viewed seriously and where there is evidence the perpetrator will be subject to disciplinary process”. “Of course it is hard to get people to talk about bullying, but I would plead with anyone who is subjected to this form of cowardly behaviour to speak to someone about it in the first place, whether that be a colleague or a Line Manager or even a parent or guardian.
"I am hopeful that my site will enable sufferers to seek that right advice and guidance, point them in the right direction and hopefully see the individual being in a position to deal with the bully and break away from this unwanted and despicable behaviour.”