A FREE online learning course to help employers understand and prevent bullying in the workplace has been launched by employment advisory service ACAS.

Bullying at work is a major cause of workplace stress which costs UK plc 18 million days lost every year.

The new online course shows employers how to recognise and deal with bullying, as well as harassment, and provides good practice advice on the best way to develop clear and accessible policies.

John Taylor, ACAS chief executive, said: "Bullying and harassment are in no-one’s interest and should not be tolerated. There can be a lot of confusion on how to recognise and deal with the issues. Our new online course can help employers put in place the right procedures to deal with problems promptly."

The online learning package is available at www.acas.org.uk.