Three new codes of practice on workplace bullying and harassment have been launched by the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mr Tom Kitt.
The codes are designed to provide employers and employees with guidelines on arrangements and procedures for tackling workplace bullying, harassment and sexual harrassment.
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Mr Tom Kitt
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Speaking at the launch, Mr Kitt welcomed the introduction of the codes as an "important chapter in the development of a balanced and focussed strategy to deal with workplace bullying".
Since the launch last year of the Task Force Report on the Prevention of Workplace Bullying, several key recommendations have been implemented, including the establishment of an Advisory Committee and Bullying Response Unit within the Health and Safety Authority, and the development of a Dignity in the Workplace Charter.
The code of practice on sexual harassment and harassment at work is the first code of practice made under the Employment Equality Act 1998, and the first statutory code of practice addressing this issue in Ireland.
One of the purposes of the new code will be to explain what is meant by the legal definitions, and includes examples of behaviour which could constitute sexual harassment or harassment.
Mr Kitt said he was confident the State had now put in place a comprehensive framework of services to advise and assist employers and employees with this issue.
He added that with the strong endorsement of both the Government and social partners, "we now have the focus and the strategy to bring about a fundamental change in attitudes, perceptions and behaviour at the workplace level".