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NURSING: NURSING QUANDARY

Independent, The (London), Nov 19, 2002

I have been in my current job for two years and have recently got a new manager. He and I have just never hit it off and over the last few months, the situation has got worse - every decision I make is questioned and he is highly critical of any task I do. The standard of my work has never been questioned before and it is making me feel terrible. I have been off on sick leave and am terrified at the prospect of going back to work. I don't know what to do

READERS' RESPONSE

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I am writing in response to your last dilemma concerning unfair treatment and harassment by a manager. I had a similar problem last year. I contacted one of the advisers from Trouble at Work and they put me in touch with an independent counsellor. This person helped me confront my line manager and report her persistent bullying. When I lodged a formal complaint, I discovered that others in the department had complained about her before. The complaints were investigated and the manager is no longer working in my Trust. Work is a pleasant environment again and I am so pleased I took action - I would encourage you to do the same.

Janet Morgan, Bridgend

UNISON RESPONSE

It sounds like you are being bullied. Bullying happens all too often in the workplace, making the daily lives of many workers intolerable. UNISON has been working with NHS employers to ensure that bullying at work is not tolerated, and to develop workplace policies on bullying with access to confidential counselling.

Your first step is to have a confidential discussion with your trade union representative and give them an accurate account of what has been going on. This person will have received comprehensive training on supporting members in dealing with workplace bullies. You will need to keep a record of all bullying behaviour that you have encountered, so put your account down in writing now - keeping a diary is a good way of recording the incidents and how they made you feel. This diary should include specific dates and times and names of any potential witnesses.

You need to put your concerns in writing to the bully, denying and correcting their claims or remarks. Keep to the facts to avoid any hint of character assassination, which might be interpreted as sour grapes. Keep copies of all correspondence. If you do not wish to raise this yourself, a memo may be sent on your behalf by your trade union representative.

You may also want to discuss this with colleagues - you may not be the only person within your team suffering bullying from this person. A group complaint will carry more weight.

Above all, your trade union representative can support and guide you through this process and assist you in dealing with your problem. It is important to remember that many other people may be experiencing the same problem and that the sooner you see your union representative, the closer you will be to finding a solution.

For resource materials and more information about dealing with workplace bullying call UNISON on 0845 355 0845 or log on to www.unison.org.uk or www.troubleatwork.org.uk

Sara Gorton, Assistant National Officer, UNISON Health Group

NEXT QUANDARY

I read earlier this year that the Government was going to put funding into providing assisted home schemes for core workers, but no one at my Trust has heard anything about these plans. Are any of these homes being built and if so, how do I apply for one?

Mark Jamieson, Three Bridges, Surrey

If you have a problem that you feel needs addressing, or if you can give any pertinent advice, get in touch with Sara Gorton at UNISON, tel: 020-7551 1258 or email s.gorton@unison.co.uk

NURSING: NURSING QUANDARY

Independent, The (London), Nov 19, 2002

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