Staff discrimination and sexual safety concerns 'deeply concerning'

Responding to the latest NHS Staff Survey Bank Worker results published today, Saffron Cordery, deputy chief executive at NHS Providers said:

"These results shine a much-needed light on how NHS staff experiences can and must be improved.

"While most bank staff report enthusiasm for their jobs, it's deeply concerning that so many have sexual safety concerns and face such high rates of discrimination from patients and families as well as from their managers and other staff.

"As unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature is also more prevalent for bank workers than permanent staff, it's clear they need more targeted support.

"It is also unacceptable that bank workers from an ethnic minority face higher rates of discrimination than their white colleagues.

"There is no room for any form of discrimination or harassment in the NHS. Trusts are working hard to stamp out this behaviour but know more must be done.

"It's encouraging to see that seven in ten bank workers feel safe to raise concerns about clinical practice, but this also means there are far too many who don't feel empowered to do so. It's vital all NHS staff feel safe to speak up."