Faced with violence at work as a threat to productivity and decent work the Governing Body of the International Labour Office, at its 288th session, adopted a new "Code of Practice on Workplace Violence in Services Sectors".

The initiative responds to the needs of millions of workers that are potentially affected by violence in services sectors in both industrialised and developing countries, and both the public and private sectors. The Code will provide general guidance to develop practical responses to violence at work, to promote dialogue, consultation and negotiation among governments, employers and workers and to draft national laws, policies and programmes of action.

The Code was discussed at the ILO in Geneva from 8 to 15 October by 36 experts representing governments, employers and workers. The code will be disseminated widely by the ILO, and social dialogue activities will be encouraged to put the code into practice around the world.

The Code is available in English, French, and Spanish.