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Nine in ten people think they are a victim of workplace bullying, with one organisation warning this could get worse in the credit crunch.

A survey of 10,000 people from the Andrea Adams Trust, a charity which focuses on problems and conflict in employment, found 92 per cent feel they are victim to taunts and intimidation in their office.

The research also found 56 per cent think bullying is a big problem in their workplace and almost half say their manager bullies them.

It is backed up by a poll from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) which says the practice costs £13.75 billion a year and not enough is being done by UK employers.

Lyn Witheridge, chief executive of the Andrea Adams Trust, says: 'The economic downturn puts workers under greater strain than ever before. Everyone seems to be fighting for their jobs.

'There is a very danger that incidences of bullying in the workplace will hugely increase because of this.'

Jo Causon from the CMI says the need to perform well in jobs at the moment 'should not be seen as an excuse to bully'.

She states the key to solving the problem is 'strong but fair leadership' which will help motivate staff and keep workplaces productive.

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