Bullying and discrimination at work has increased during the past 15 years according to a new study.

Research by the Fabian Society also found two out of five workers say they have little or no influence over setting their working hours.

A survey of 1,300 workers revealed the proportion saying they have experienced or been aware of discrimination at work in their career has risen from nine per cent to 17 per cent since 2001.

The number saying they have experienced or been aware of bullying by management or fellow workers has grown from 25 per cent to 35 per cent in the same period.

One in ten workers said they do not find their job enjoyable, 11 per cent do not find their job interesting and 12 per cent either always or often wish they did not have to go to work.

Those in working class occupations are 18 per cent less likely than white collar workers to find their work interesting, eight per cent less likely to enjoy it, and eight per cent less likely to look forward to work.

Cameron Tait, of the Fabian Society said: “This report shows that for most of us, work is a good thing. It gives us enjoyment and we tend to find it interesting.

“This should give succour to political leaders to continue to talk up the value of work and the importance of full employment.

“ It should also put paid to the minority political view that work – in general - is miserable and exploitative.

“But the research also shows that for one in ten, work is not providing the fulfilment that it should.

“For this group, work is not enjoyable, and does not provide the agency and flexibility that the research shows most people value in their jobs.

“Given the social divisions that the EU referendum revealed, it is particularly concerning that people in working class occupations are more likely to be in this group.”

The “A good day’s work” report surveyed 1,339 respondents (adults aged 18+ who are in full time or part time work). Find out more about the report at fabians.org.uk

If you are being bullied or harassed in the workplace, try to sort out the problem informally first.

If this is not the case talk to your manager, human resources department, or trade union representative.