If you are being harassed or bullied in the workplace, you do not need to suffer in silence. Whether you’re struggling at the hands of one colleague or a group of colleagues, we want to remind you that there are laws in place to protect you.
If you feel as though you are being bullied or harassed at work, it’s important to understand how these terms are categorised as bullying is not technically against the law whereas harassment is:
Although being bullied can have a significant impact on your mental and physical health, as it stands there is no legal definition. According to ACAS, bullying can be categorised as: “offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour” and “abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure…” Even though it is not deemed unlawful, bullying should be taken seriously and put to a stop.
Defined by the Equality Act 2010, harassment is categorised as “unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, and the conduct has the purpose or effect of violating someone’s dignity, or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment”.
Experiencing bullying and harassment at work can affect your day-to-day life, in and outside of work and can leave you feeling as though you have no option other than to leave your job. It’s important to remember that there are measures in place to safeguard you in the workplace.
You as an employee have a right to work in a job that you feel safe and respected in. To enable this, employer’s have a duty of care and are required to prevent bullying and harassment. If employers fail to take each matter seriously, they can be punishable by law and can face legal claims.
At Fairmont, we understand the terrible impact that bullying and harassment can have on you, so you can ensure your case will be dealt with the utmost compassion and patience. We will provide expert grievance support and mediate with your employer for the best possible outcome. Where required, we will represent you in employment tribunals and help you gain compensation for emotional or financial damages.
Contact our friendly team today for free initial advice and take the first step in ending the bullying and harassment.
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