• Nearly half of workers not told by their manager about their rights at work
• TUC calls for urgent investment in management training

One in three workers (32%) feel uncomfortable approaching their managers about problems at work, according to new polling published today (Thursday) as part of a new TUC report Improving Line Management.

The survey found that while the majority of UK workers feel supported by their bosses, more than a third (35%) don’t think that their line manager treats them and their colleagues fairly.

More than two-fifths (45%) of workers believe their line manager don’t help morale at work.

Gaps in knowledge

The poll also reveals that many UK workers feel in the dark about their workplace rights.

Nearly half of respondents (44%) say their line-manager doesn’t make sure they know their rights at work.

Lack of management training

The TUC says the findings expose the patchiness of management training in the UK.

Despite being crucial to workers’ well-being and productivity, less than half of UK managers got any training in the last year, according to most recent government statistics.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Having a good manager is crucial to how we get on at work. But businesses are not investing enough in training managers.

“It’s shocking that so many workers feel afraid to raise issues with their boss and are not being told about their rights at work.

“If we want better and more productive workplaces, we need to step up investment in training – including for managers.

"Anyone who isn’t getting the support they deserve at work should join a union today.”