Eye-Opening Report Highlights Assaults and Harassment NHS Employees Face

A startling survey has brought to light the distressing experiences of NHS staff, including ambulance workers, nurses, porters, and cleaners, who have faced physical assaults, exposure to pornographic content, and propositions for s*exual favors while on duty. Conducted by the Unison union, the comprehensive study paints a grim picture of the s*exual harassment pervasive across the health sector.

The survey, which gathered responses from over 12,200 health workers, was released to coincide with the commencement of Unison’s annual health conference in Brighton. It reveals that about 10% of the respondents encountered unwelcome advances ranging from physical touch and kisses to demands for s*exual favors and derogatory remarks. Alarmingly, nearly a third of those surveyed reported instances of s*exual assault, and half experienced leering or suggestive gestures, by “the Telegraph”.

Moreover, a quarter of the respondents faced unsolicited s*exual advances, while the most frequent form of harassment stemmed from crude jokes or banter, as reported by 60% of those who had encountered harassment.

Despite the severity and sometimes criminal nature of these incidents, a significant portion of the victims chose not to report the harassment to their employers. Many cited fears of being labeled “oversensitive” or doubts that any effective action would be taken as reasons for their silence.

Among the disturbing anecdotes shared was that of a 111 adviser, a survivor of s*exual abuse herself, who faced regular harassment through anonymous phone calls. When she sought help, her superiors merely dismissed the harassment as part of the job, according to Unison.

Christina McAnea, Unison’s general secretary, emphasized that no one should have to tolerate such reprehensible behavior, especially in their workplace. She pointed out the tendency among NHS staff to endure such abuse without reporting it, fearing their concerns would not be taken seriously.

McAnea urged for enhanced measures to safeguard NHS personnel from s*exual harassment and reassured them that their complaints would be thoroughly investigated. She stressed the need for employers to act decisively upon reports of harassment, irrespective of whether the perpetrator is a patient or a colleague, to put an end to this unacceptable conduct.