NIPSA, representing almost 300 members in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, reports on its survey into Bullying and Harassment in Council.
NIPSA Official, Alan Law stated:
“NIPSA has concluded its survey into Bullying and Harassment in Mid and East Antrim BC. The results should rock the Council to its core, they demonstrate that the organisation needs urgent reform to bring about a culture change where staff feel able to raise concerns and where they will have confidence that these will be listened to and dealt with accordingly. It is horrendous that 61% of respondents have been bullied with 79% of NIPSA members feeling that reporting concerns would impact career prospects. This is a toxic workplace.
NIPSA calls on Council to set aside all confidentiality agreements staff who have left the Council have been required to sign. It is only through transparency can this organisation do better. The political leadership must act immediately and ensure change occurs and is sustained.
I am today releasing the initial results of our survey and am demanding that Council take action to address the findings.”
NIPSA Survey outcome
Q1 Have you experienced bullying and / or Harassment at work?
61% Yes
39% No
Q2 Did you feel supported by Council?
11% Yes
57% No
32% other (this option was used by people with an experience of bullying to provide more information)
Q3 Does your employer take Bullying and Harassment complaints seriously?
13% Yes
54% No
33% other (this option was used by people with an experience of bullying to give more information)
Q4 Is there a culture of bullying and harassment in Council?
48% Yes
15% No
35% other (this option was used by people with an experience of bullying to provide more information)
Q5 Do you have confidence that Council would take your concerns about workplace bulling and harassment seriously?
59% Very unlikely / Unlikely
20% Neither
19% Likely / Very Likely
2% None of the above
Q6 Reporting Concerns: Do you think it would impact your career / promotion prospects?
79% Very Likely / Likely
16% Neither
5% Unlikely / Very Unlikely
Q7 Whistleblowing: Do you feel confident that your concerns would be investigated and action taken if upheld?
17% Yes
83% No
Q8 What would you like NIPSA to do about workplace bullying and harassment?
• Staff to afraid to speak out
• NIPSA needs to act.
• Culture in Council toxic
• Demand independent investigations
• Someone should look at absenteeism / staff turnover
• Hold Council accountable
Q9 Overall, how satisfied or dissatisfied as an employee of Mid and East Antrim BC?
35% Satisfied / Very Satisfied
19% Neither
49% Dissatisfied / Very Dissatisfied