§ Mr. TouhigTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce measures to tackle workplace violence and bullying. [85590]
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§ Mr. MeacherI strongly condemn workplace bullying. It has no place in a decent society. The Government have already in place measures to protect workers. Some instances of workplace bullying may well constitute an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Where workplace bullying presents a risk to a worker's health, health and safety inspectors could in principal use powers under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 to require an employer to take action to protect the employee's health. No further legislative measures are planned.
I am very concerned about workplace violence. I have therefore asked the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) to consider options for further action that would make a significant impact on preventing assaults, verbal threats and abuse in the workplace. Any plans I make to introduce measures will be based on HSC's advice.