Beefs about bullies
Christine Pratt has had considerably more than 15 minutes of fame since Sunday and I can imagine that she’s finding the unexpected (and not entirely friendly) limelight a bit of a challenge. What effect will it have on her behaviour? Will she lose her temper, shout, throw things, or will she react in some other way? It would be interesting to know ……..
Mrs Pratt, head of the charity, National Bullying Helpline, made allegations that Gordon Brown has engaged in bullying language and conduct in revelations that a number of Downing Street staff had called its helpline. She said that she made the disclosures after ministers had denied claims in Andrew Rawnsley’s new book which sets out a string of alleged incidents of verbal and physical outbursts by Mr Brown and claims that the Prime Minister had been warned over his treatment of staff.
Mrs Pratt said, “I have personally taken a call from staff in the Prime Minister’s office, staff who believe they are working in a bullying culture and that it has caused stress.
Today government minister Phil Woolas referred to Christine Pratt “this prat of a woman”. It’s a tough business, politics,” he said. “ It’s 18, 20 hours a day that people like the prime minister work.
Mrs Pratt has been called to an emergency meeting with charity trustees over the crisis, which has resulted in at least three patrons resigning, to explain to trustees why she made public allegations that staff from No 10 had been in contact, potentially breaching their confidentiality.
Notwithstanding Mrs Pratt’s gaffe, bullying is horrible and allowing bullies to maraud through the workplace unchecked can result in high sickness and absence, high rates of staff turnover and increased litigation costs.
If you would like to find out more about how to prevent a bullying problem , Russell HR Consulting provides expert knowledge in the practical application of employment law. For more information, contact us on: 0845 644 8955 or e-mail pm@russellhrconsulting.co.uk.