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27 February 2006 - Bullying and Stress
Claim by Research Centre Staff
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A leading Scottish Scientific Research Centre has come under
fire from members of staff for allegedly creating ill-health through bullying
and stress.
The prestigious University of Dundee School of Life Sciences
have some of the worlds top scientists within who have contributed many
successful findings for major diseases such as the p53 cancer gene.
However, it has been alleged by members of staff, that these
successes have perhaps created a culture of bullying and stress-related
ill-health within the Universities workforce.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have visited the
University 3 times since December 2005, investigating allegations of
work-related bullying and stress.
Although David Stephen, HSE Inspector, found the University's
process of risk-assessment to be "structurally good", he also found the
following areas to be in need of attention:
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Work relationships, as perceived by staff, were such that they
could not air their views openly or freely without retribution.
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This applied to management styles also.
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Mr. Stephen expressed "some doubt" as to whether the University
met it's statutory obligations under the Health and Safety Regulations 1999.
A spokesman for the Dundee Association of University Teachers
said:
"Stress has become a real problem at the School of Life
Sciences and it will be high on the agenda at every joint liaison committee
meeting this year.
"We believe there should be an independent health and safety officer appointed
for the university to deal with such matters. Stress has become a major issue
for universities in general, but Dundee is at the worst end of the spectrum."
A Spokesman for the University said:
"We did carry out a work-related stress risk assessment in
the life sciences teaching unit. This was facilitated by an independent
consultant with the full involvement of both the university and the relevant
trade unions.
"David Stephen did make a number of suggestions for improving the system, which
we are happy to take on board.
"We have a clear work-related stress policy with a network of well-being
contacts across the university, and an in-house safety services department which
provides professional advice.
"We also have a clear policy on bullying and harassment and all complaints are
fully investigated and disciplinary action taken when necessary."
One specific dismissal case of a teaching technician, Dorothy
Lawson, aged 59, who had worked at the school for 35 years, claimed she was
dismissed without notice for insubordination and indiscipline, when she voiced
her opinion. Ms Lawson's case is being backed by Amicus at her
appeal hearing on Friday, 3 March 2006.
Commenting that five members of staff had raised concerns to
their line managers over stress, Ms Lawson said:
"All that happened after that was that we were all up on
disciplinary charges and I got sacked for what they called in my dismissal
letter 'insubordination and indiscipline'.
"We'd all been at the university for a long time and knew the place inside out.
But you couldn't speak out or raise any issues for fear of retribution, and my
case highlights that perfectly.
"Stress is rife in the place and compounded by the line managers, who refuse to
listen or help their staff."
The HSE have lots of information and advice on bullying and
stress in the workplace both for managers and staff which can be accessed from
their webpage by clicking the following:
HSE - Stress: Useful links
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) also provide information
offering help and assistance for anyone concerned by bullying and stress in the
workplace which can be accessed by clicking the following:
Trades Union Congress - Know your rights - Bullied at Work
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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