HEALTH workers face serious sexual assault and harassment in the workplace including being groped and raped.

It was the subject of a new report released by Unison at its annual conference in Liverpool.

NHS workers — the majority of which are women — reported being on the receiving end of unwanted remarks and sexual jokes, as well as physical advances and sexual violence.

Some women have said they have considered suicide or have left their jobs as a consequence of this behaviour.

But only one in five said that they had complained to the management and a majority said they believed nothing would come of any complaints.

Unison assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “Many nurses, cleaners and administrative workers feel they have to put up with appalling behaviour as nothing will be done.

“This is generally because the perpetrators are in a position of power – or believe they are untouchable.

“The workplace should be a harassment-free zone and employers who fail to act should be held to account.”