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Family given pounds 100,000 after Royal Mail staff bullied a man to
Independent, The (London), Jul 18, 2002 by Terri Judd
Royal Mail said yesterday: "It was with extreme shock, regret and sorrow that we found the actions of some employees contributed to Jermaine's decision to take his own life. He did suffer harassment and bullying at work and there are strong indications that this weighed heavily on his mind, although it cannot be certain to what extent this contributed to his decision to take his life. Although it is believed Jermaine Lee suffered ill treatment over a lengthy period, the worst incidents were experienced in the period shortly before he died. The actions of some managers at this time are regarded as utterly shameful by Royal Mail and condemned absolutely."
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It said its investigation found evidence to suggest that "bullying and harassment was used by some to support a macho culture, which targeted certain individuals" and following the death, details of it were deliberately concealed from more senior managers within the company.
The investigation has led the company to introduce 50 recommendations for change, which include a new complaints procedure and training schemes designed to tackle potential harassment and bullying in the workplace.
Tim Field, founder of the UK National Workplace Bullying Advice Line said the postal service has a particular problem and it is increasing across all professions. "I deal with five to 10 new cases every day. The Government has really shown no interest in recognising this problem though there is a private members bill - Dignity at Work - due in the Autumn which will hopefully help," he said.
Despite the trauma, Mr Lee said anger was not his predominant emotion when contemplating his son's ordeal.
"It is disbelief. Disbelief that this happened in this day and age," he said.
Copyright 2002 Independent Newspapers UK Limited
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