NEARLY four in 10 disabled workers have been bullied on the job, with Labour’s benefits cuts expected to make things worse, according to the TUC.

Polling published today shows that 39 per cent have experienced bullying, discrimination and harassment at work in the last five years related to their disability, impairment or long-term health condition. 

Of them, more than four in ten said that the most recent incident had a negative impact on their mental health, with 28 per cent saying that it made them want to leave their job. 

The findings of the Opinium survey of 1,000 workers comes as Sir Keir Starmer faces the biggest rebellion of his premiership.

More than 150 MPs are said to be preparing to vote against the Prime Minister’s plans for stricter eligibility for personal independence payments.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “No-one should face bullying, harassment or discrimination at work. 

“But the number of disabled workers reporting that this is their everyday experience is shockingly high.  

“It’s time to stamp out this pervasive mistreatment. Disabled workers deserve dignity and respect at work like every other worker does.”

About one in seven — 15 per cent — of disabled workers experienced intrusive or offensive questioning about their disability, the poll also showed.

Similar numbers had been made to feel uncomfortable at work due to their disability and reported offensive jokes or "banter" about disabled people.

“That’s why the government’s Employment Rights Bill is so important,” said Mr Nowak.  

“It will introduce sensible changes like a duty on employers to protect workers from harassment. This will be an important step towards putting an end to the widespread abuse disabled people experience at work.”    

The Bill, currently at committee stage in the House of Lords, is set to offer protection for workers with a clause requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment of staff by third parties, such as customers and patients. 

The Tories and Reform have both attacked the proposal as an end to “pub banter.”

Disabled People Against Cuts co-founder Linda Burnip warned: “While legislation would be welcome, it doesn't change attitudes — bullying and harassment of disabled workers is only likely to increase if people are forced into unsuitable jobs they can't do, as the government plan.”