A NEW survey has revealed that Suffolk workers are suffering in silence as workplace bullying increases dramatically. In a poll, conducted by Unison, shocking statistics reveal the extent of workers being bullied in the region.

A NEW survey has revealed that Suffolk workers are suffering in silence as workplace bullying increases dramatically.

In a poll, conducted by Unison, shocking statistics reveal the extent of workers being bullied in the region.

According to the survey, over 30 per cent of workers are currently suffering at the hands of bullying colleagues, while at least 60pc of those questioned had been bullied by their co-workers in the past.

Figures also reveal that of those who had not been bullied nearly 60 per cent had witnessed it.

In addition some respondents said that they had been victim to bullying behaviours but would not label themselves as 'bullied'.

The increase in the region's workplace bullying has been put down to the rise in workload, a lack of action from employers and an increased fear of change during the credit crunch.

Dave Prentis, Unison's General Secretary, said: “This shocking survey shows that the bullying and harassment of workers is spiralling out of control.

“Many people do not realise that a drip feed of bullying behaviour can be as devastating as a major incident.”

Unison, the country's largest public sector union have launched a campaign to tackle the lack of legislation supporting bullied workers.

The Bully Busters campaign is calling for the government to revise the current Dignity in the Workplace bill to include an anti-bullying policy. The current policy encourages employers to build a working environment where respect for other individuals is an essential part of the organisations conduct.

Mr Prentis later added: “Our research has shown that bullying is accepted in many organisations - we need to change this attitude now.”