The number of dignity at work investigations in Northern Ireland has surged, raising concerns among officials and employees alike
Belfast: Wow, the number of dignity at work investigations in Northern Ireland has really shot up! Last year, there were 20 investigations, which is more than the total from the previous two years combined. One MLA even called the numbers “incredibly concerning.”
So, what’s the deal with dignity at work? It’s all about making sure employees are treated with respect and are free from any kind of harassment or bullying.
There are about 23,000 permanent staff in the Northern Ireland Civil Service, plus a bunch of agency workers. That’s a lot of people!
According to some figures from the Department of Finance, there were 47 complaints filed in 2023/24. That’s up from 58 the year before and 51 the year before that.
Once a complaint is in, they check it out, and if it seems valid, they kick off a formal investigation.
In the last financial year, they went from just six investigations in 2021/22 to a whopping 20 in 2023/24. That’s a big jump!
But here’s the thing: just because a complaint is made in one year doesn’t mean an investigation starts right away. It can take a bit of time.
Eóin Tennyson, an MLA on the finance committee, said he’s going to reach out to the Finance Minister and the head of the Civil Service about this issue.
Eoin Tennyson. Pic: Peter Morrison
He mentioned that everyone should feel safe and respected at work, and that bullying is just not okay. He’s hoping the NICS is taking these complaints seriously.
Tennyson is really worried about this spike in complaints and wants to get to the bottom of it. He’s looking for some clarity on what’s going on.
The NICS has a policy that encourages staff to talk to their line manager if they feel their dignity is at stake. They can also reach out to a harassment contact officer.
These officers know the ins and outs of the policy and are there to help anyone who feels they’ve been treated badly.
If someone’s complaint is upheld, the report goes to the department of the person accused, and they decide if any disciplinary action is needed.
A spokesperson from the Department of Finance said they’re all about creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect.
They’ve got training in place to help staff understand what behavior is unacceptable and how to deal with it. Plus, they offer mediation services for those who want to sort things out quickly and quietly.
