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.