The Health and Safety Authority will set up an advisory committee to assist in the fight against workplace bullying, according to the Minister of State, Mr Tom Kitt.
This was the main recommendation from the Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying, which published its report yesterday. Others include drawing up three codes of practice which will establish anti-bullying policies at enterprise level. These codes of practice are to be ready in three months. The report also recommends a Dignity at Work Charter and a specific anti-bullying policy in every workplace.
The Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying was set up by Mr Kitt to identify the size of the problem, to develop practical programmes to prevent it, and to produce a co-ordinated response from State agencies.
Its chairwoman, Dr Eileen Doyle, told a press conference the task force considered recommending new legislation outlawing bullying in the workplace. Instead it recommended reliance on existing employment and equality legislation. If found necessary, however, there could be legislation later.
Mr Pat Cahill, of the Anti-Bullying Association, said bullying should be made illegal.
Dr Doyle said one of the most difficult issues the task force had to deal with was agreeing on a definition of workplace bullying. "The key components of bullying were painstakingly explored; these were frequency, duration, intent and power," she said. International research was examined, and they came to an agreement on wording acceptable to all members.
She said there was provision for codes of practice under a number of Acts relating to employment conditions. While these were broadly viewed as voluntary, they were developing a quasi-legal status and were often quoted in disputes.
There was no State agency with responsibility for dealing with workplace bullying, so the task force recommended that an advisory committee should be set up under the auspices of the Health and Safety Authority.
Mr Frank Cunneen, chairman of the HSA, said the committee would be made up of representatives of the Equality Authority, the Labour Court, the Labour Relations Commission, IBEC, and the ICTU.
IBEC welcomed the report, and said it would continue to offer advice and training to member companies on the issues of harassment and bullying in the workplace.