Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Bullying at Work
Bullying at work can have a huge impact on an individual's physical and mental health.
Following the allegations relating to bullying at 10 Downing Street, we take a brief look at how this sort of behaviour affects workers.

Figures revealed by UNISON show that more than a third of the 7,000 workers who took part in a UNISON survey have experienced bullying in the last six months – double the number recorded in 1997.

Rudeness, criticism, excessive work monitoring, intimidation, exclusion and withholding information are among the top behaviours listed.

80 per cent of victims say it has affected their physical and mental health and a third took time off work, or left their jobs as a result.

All respondents believe bullying is embedded in the workplace, 91 per cent say bullies are able to get away with it and the same number are too scared to report it.

More than a third of the 7,000 workers who took part in a UNISON survey have experienced bullying in the last six months.
Dave Prentis, UNISON’s General Secretary, said: “The fact that bullying has doubled in the past decade is shocking. Workers have the right to earn a decent living in a safe environment. They need to be treated with respect and not forced to take time off work because bullying has made them ill.

He added the recent figures show “13.7 million working days are lost every year as a result of stress and depression in the workplace. It makes sound moral and financial sense to look after your workforce.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.