UNISON welcomes government pledge to end violence at work

UNISON has welcomed the Westminster government’s announcement that it plans to ratify Convention 190 from the International Labour Organization’s (ILO), which says that everyone has a right to work free from violence and harassment. It is the first international treaty to recognise this, and specifically includes gender-based violence and harassment. The union is calling on the Conservative government to ensure words are rapidly turned into action. Governments around the globe are asked to sign up and commit to the principles within the treaty. This means putting in place the necessary national laws and policies to tackle the issues, and working towards the eradication of violence and harassment in the world of work. Countries that ratify the treaty are legally bound to deliver what is within the convention a year after ratification. It defines violence at work as a range of unacceptable behaviours and practices, whether a single occurrence or a repeated pattern, that results in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm to the victim. UNISON national women’s officer Josie Irwin sees ratification of the convention as an opportunity to push ahead with a wider strategy and supporting legislation. “Home secretary Priti Patel says she does not accept that violence against women and girls is inevitable and that she is committed to developing a comprehensive violence against women and girls strategy to help bring about real and lasting change. “However, violent sex...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article News equalities sexual harassment women Source Type: news