Vulnerability and adverse treatment in the workplace

This report uses the Fair Treatment at Work Survey 2008 to investigate the characteristics which make employees more or less vulnerable to adverse treatment in the workplace. The report finds that certain features of the external labour market, the product market, the employing organisation and the job, as well as characteristics of the employee themselves, each serve to increase the likelihood of adverse treatment. It is proposed that they do so by influencing the balance of power in the employment relationship. The report proposes that attention should be given to supporting specific groups of workers, including young people, those with long-standing health problems and gay/lesbian or bisexual workers. Support should also be given to raising awareness of Acas.