HEALTH workers from black or ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to report bullying and harassment than their white colleagues, an NHS report revealed yesterday.

According to new figures by the health service, 75 per cent of the acute trusts in England have a higher share of minority ethnic (BME) staff reporting abuse.

The NHS pledged a £2 million investment over the next two years to address the problem.

Unison union head of health Christina McAnea said: “We welcome this trust-by-trust survey, but the results show the extent of the problems faced by black staff working in the NHS.

“It’s wrong for anybody to face harassment or discrimination at work.

“Generations of black staff helped to establish and maintain the NHS and it continues to depend on their dedicated contribution.”

It was also found that in nearly 90 per cent of acute trusts a higher percentage of BME than white staff do not believe the organisation offers equal opportunities for career progression.

At most centres, BME staff reported having personally experienced discrimination from a manager or colleague.

NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said: “This report provides unvarnished feedback to every hospital and trust across the NHS about the experiences of their BME staff.

“It confirms that while some employers have got it right, for many others these staff survey results are both deeply concerning and a clear call to action.”

The report, issued by the NHS Equality and Diversity Council, was the first of its kind, but will now be published annually.