§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action is being taken by his Department to address the problem of bullying in the workplace, what recent representations he has received on this matter; and if he will make a statement.[126495]
§ Mr. Alan JohnsonMy Department receives occasional representations about workplace bullying, which I strongly deplore. Existing legislation can address it in a number of ways. For instance, the Public Order Act 1986 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 provide remedies against harassment, while the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974 places a duty on all employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees. In addition, we would always encourage employers to put in place disciplinary and grievance procedures which allow employees to raise concerns and employers to address them. The Employment Relations Act 1999 contains a provision giving workers the right to be accompanied at disciplinary and grievance hearings by a fellow worker or trade union official of their choice, and workers who choose to exercise their right will be protected against victimisation by their employer, as will those who accompany or seek to accompany a worker. Our intention is to bring the new right into force on 4 September.