What’s the difference between bullying and harassment?
Bullying has no statutory definition but it typically looks like someone more senior than you using their power to try and intimidate you. Sometimes it’s peers.
There are a whole range of bullying behaviours but the most common include physical or verbal violence, humiliation and any behaviour that isolates you and undermines your confidence to do your job.
The obvious first step is to speak to your line manager of HR team and give them the opportunity to resolve the issue internally. We can help you know what to say.
If you feel unable to do that or, having done that, your company has failed to take it seriously and resolve the situation, we can help you raise this challenge to your employer and if it’s not dealt with, we can advise you on what to do next.
Often when employers fail to resolve the issues, people feel they have no choice but to resign and then claim unfair dismissal.
Harassment involves circumstances where your colleagues behaviour is unwanted, offensive or threatening with the intent or effect of violating your personal dignity. It can create an environment that is intimidating, hostile, humiliating, degrading, or downright offensive.
Often it would include making sexual comments, or attacking your identity or – be that race, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic.
If any of these things are going on, then you have a strong case we can help you resolve – one way or another.
Why people choose Astute Lawyers
There are many reasons why these situations arise ranging from severe discrimination to a simple clash of personalities or a misunderstanding that has gone too far.
Your first call should be to your employer. They have a duty to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace and they should have a grievance procedure you can follow which may include meetings with your manager, mediation or internal investigations.
If you don’t feel able to do that, because you fear it will result in further problems, or you have followed the procedure but the matter has still not been resolved, then you may want consider legal action.
Only you can decide whether you want to stay or go.
The fact that we have successfully represented both sides of this challenge gives us an advantage. We have a unique insight into the arguments and tactics from both directions and we have successfully supported many people like you to get a resolution that is right for you.
We find that 90% of the time a resolution ultimately means obtaining a settlement.
However far you want to take it, Our 4 Stage Resolution Approach will help you get there.