One in five UK employees have experienced some form of bullying or harassment at work over the last three years, a study has revealed.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) survey found that black and Asian employees, women and disabled individuals were the worst affected.

Nearly one third of Asian workers or those from other ethnic groups reported having experienced some form of bullying or harassment, compared with just 18 per cent of white employees.

Disabled workers were twice as likely to report bullying or harassment at work as their non-disabled counterparts (37 per cent vs. 18 per cent).

Mike Emmott of the CIPD said: "Bullying and harassment is a serious problem in many workplaces and employers need to take the issue more seriously.

"It can damage individuals' confidence, morale, motivation and sometimes their health causing them to be less productive and effective at work.

"It can also trigger absenteeism, make retention rates go down and both the employer's reputation and bottom line can take a hit."

Mike Emmott, CIPD: "Bullying and harassment is a serious problem in many workplaces and employers need to take the issue more seriously."

The survey, of 2,000 people, also revealed that public sector workers are more likely to experience bullying than their private sector counterparts.

Mr Emmott said the difference between the public and private sectors may not be due to more bullying happening in the public sector but to greater awareness of the issue and recognition of the importance of dealing with it.

The study results are being published by the CIPD ahead of Ban Bullying Day, scheduled for November 7.

Emmott added: "Bullying can take many forms, including ridiculing personal characteristics, making unfair criticisms and ignoring people, as well as physical or verbal harassment.

"Employers need to be alert to the damage a bullying culture can cause.

"Line managers need to be able to recognise signs of bullying or harassment and take action to deal with the situation before it gets out of hand.

"Employees who are being bullied or harassed need to know how to complain, and feel reassured that they won't be victimised if they do."

The survey was carried out for the CIPD by Kingston Business School and polling firm MORI.