The National Australia Group signs up to Dignity at Work Partnership
July 2006
The National Australia Group has shown its commitment to a bully-free workplace by signing up to the Dignity at Work Partnership.
The financial services group, which owns Clydesdale Bank and employs 1,800 employees in Glasgow, has become the latest organisation to join the world's largest anti-workplace bullying initiative.
With an estimated annual cost to the UK economy of £1.3 billion in sick pay, staff turnover and loss of production, the Dignity at Work Partnership, funded by the DTI and trade union Amicus, addresses the serious issue of bullying in the workplace.
The initiative aims to create a culture in which respect for individuals is an essential part of the conduct of all those who work in an organisation.
Steve Reid said: "National Australia Group UK sees Dignity at Work as being an important initiative. Like most large companies we have comprehensive Equal Opportunities and Anti-Harassment policies. The challenge is to make sure such policies are applied throughout the company at all times to ensure we have a culture which respects everyone. We welcome working with Amicus on this important issue and see the initiative as being complementary to our own Corporate Principles".
The Dignity at Work Partnership is working with some of the UK's largest employers to eradicate bullying and its root causes. Amicus regional national secretary for Scotland, Mary Alexander says:
"Bullying is a widespread and serious problem which no business can afford to ignore. The effect on individuals and organisations is massive - it can make the victims' lives a misery and can create an unpleasant working environment for all parties witnessing the bullying behaviour.
Mary continues: "Workplace bullying is a major barrier to business success and development - organisations in Glasgow and across Scotland cannot afford to ignore this issue and we urge them to sign up to Amicus' Dignity at Work project."
