GOVERNMENT estimates show that about 13.5 million working days are lost annually as a result of stress, depression and anxiety.

The estimates also suggest that about five million employees believe they are exposed to stress in the workplace.

Bullying in the workplace will undoubtedly have contributed to these figures and is an increasing problem for employers.

New regulations which came into force at the end of last year prohibit harassment or victimisation on the grounds of religion, religious belief or sexual orientation.

This means that there is an even wider capacity for potential bullying at work and an increased risk of claims that employers may have to contend with.

Patricia Hewitt, the Trade and Industry Secretary, will shortly announce a £1.8m campaign to end workplace bullying. It will be led by the Government in conjunction with trade union Amicus.

The union, which is contributing nearly half of the funding for the project, will prepare an extensive report on workplace bullying.

The campaign will be relevant to both employees and employers.

This means that employers will be able to gain a voluntary charter if they offer dignity at work, and Amicus will be working with some of Britain's largest employers to prepare guidance to assist them in doing so.

Employees, on the other hand, will be offered advice and training to assist them in counselling colleagues and in investigating and identifying bullying.

The arbitration and conciliation service ACAS has also recently produced updated guidance for employees, managers and employers on how to deal with bullying in the workplace.

- Stephen Elliott is a solicitor in the employment team of North-East law firm Ward Hadaway. He can be contacted on 0191-204 4000 or by email at stephen.elliott@wardhadaway.com

Published: ??/??/2004