Police are urging businesses to take another look at their harassment and stalking policies and provide better training for staff.

According to Gloucestershire Constabulary staff in public facing roles and services face an increased risk of being stalked, but it is worth all businesses making sure they have policies in place.

According to police, last month 45 per cent of people who reported issues around stalking and harassment had experienced it either at, or through, their place of work.

Eighty two per cent of those said they had not received training or information from their workplace.

As part of their promotion for Stalking Awareness Week (8-12 April) police officers are reminding businesses that a stalking policy is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety Work Act 1974.

Cathy O'Donoghue, managing director with Gloucester-headquartered HR Champions, legal experts in human resources and employment law, said: "Potential offences and their consequences should be set out in the company staff handbook within the bullying and harassment policy.

"More importantly though employees need to understand what is and isn't classed as unacceptable language and behaviour."

Mrs O'Donoghue added: "The victim of a stalker is also likely to become quite distressed and anxious about the situation, thereby affecting their mental health."

A stalking policy is a legal requirement under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Looking for advice/training on stalking? Take a look at Suzy Lamplugh Trust or Paladin.

Need advice or want to know more about our campaign? Visit: https://t.co/CJhyXXq5hS#saferdaysandnights

— Glos Police (@Glos_Police) April 8, 2019

Most stalkers are ex-partners and people you already know. That can mean that they have had access to your electronic devices and may have installed spyware, location tracking software and found ways to monitor what you do online. #saferdaysandnightshttps://t.co/WHvSwoDKsx

— Glos Police (@Glos_Police) April 10, 2019

HR Champions offers a Dignity at Work training programme and Mental Health First Aider courses that can help tackle these issues. 

Gloucestershire Police also offer more information about harassment and stalking on their website 

This topic will be covered in-depth with more expert insight from Cathy O'Donoghue in the next Punchline-Gloucester.com magazine - the Gloucestershire's 100 Biggest Employers edition  - due out at the end of April.

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