Bullying and harassment is behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended. Harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010.
Examples of bullying or harassing behaviour include:
Spreading malicious rumours, unfair treatment, picking on someone, regularly undermining a competent worker, denying someone training or promotion opportunities.
Bullying and harassment can happen face-to-face, by letter, by email or over the phone.
The law
Bullying itself isn’t against the law, but harassment is. This is when the unwanted behaviour is related to one of the following:
- age
- sex
- disability
- gender (including gender reassignment)
- marriage and civil partnership
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion or belief
- sexual orientation
What should I do if I am being bullied or harassed?
Employees should see if they can sort out the problem informally first. If they can’t, they should talk to a manager or report the bullying to Human Resources or to someone senior and raise a Formal Grievance.
Can I make a claim for compensation?
Yes depending on the circumstances you might be able to make a claim. See section on Constructive Dismissal and Unfair Dismissal.
