BBC News Online: Business

Firms urged to root out bullies

Up to 19m working days are lost because workers are suffering from verbal and physical threats, offensive remarks and humiliation.

The London Chamber of Commerce's report said victims are more likely to make mistakes or have an accident.

Its research suggested that over-worked managers were the most common workplace bullies.

There is also a negative effect on people who witness bullying incidents, said the report.

Anti-bullying courses

Simon Sperryn, the chamber's chief executive, said: "Bullying is often a hidden problem for companies, but it needs to be rooted out wherever it appears.

"Bullying is totally unacceptable. Not only does it cause a great deal of human misery, but it can severely hinder a firm's performance, leading to increased sick leave, higher recruitment costs and lost productivity."

Recent surveys have shown that staff turnover is 40% higher in firms where bullying occurs.

Examples of bullying include unjustified criticism, setting unattainable targets, undervaluing someone's work and monitoring work unnecessarily.

The Chamber of Commerce suggests that firms should adopt anti-bullying policies, including seminars for staff taken by experts.

Some firms have started sending workers on training courses to help them deal with bullies and their victims.