Almost 10 per cent of woman and 7 per cent of the total workforce describe themselves as having been bullied in the workplace, according to a government report on this issue.
The figures were revealed by the Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs Mr Kitt today during the issuing of the "Report of the Task Force on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying".
He said the task force's report recognised bullying was a legitimate workplace issue.
"Although the figures were in keeping with comparable EU data our efforts should be concentrated on the further reduction and elimination of this figure," Mr Kitt said.
The report defined workplace bullying as "repeated behavior conducted by one or more persons against another or others in the course of employment".
It said this could manifest itself verbally, physically or otherwise but did not include "once-off" incidences.
Though the task force advised against the drafting of new legislation to cover the issue, it did recommend the introduction of new Codes of Practice as a set of guidelines.
The task force recommended organisations draw up separate and specific anti-bullying policies to suit their individual needs. Every organisation should adopt a "dignity at work" charter.
The task force also recommended the Health and Safety Authority be assigned the responsibility of co-ordinating a central response to the prevention of workplace bullying.
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