Workplace Bullying
Persistent harassment, intimidation, or hostile behaviour that creates an unsafe work environment.
What is Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying involves persistent, unreasonable behavior directed at you that creates risks to health and safety. While bullying isn't automatically illegal unless it relates to protected characteristics, it often leads to constructive dismissal claims when the behavior becomes unbearable.
Bullying can be verbal, physical, or psychological, including aggressive behavior, public humiliation, persistent criticism, social isolation, or deliberate sabotage of work. The key is that the behavior is repeated, unreasonable, and creates a hostile work environment.
Many employees endure bullying without realizing they have legal remedies, particularly when it leads to stress-related illness or forces resignation. Employers have duties to provide safe working environments, including protection from bullying.
Common Reasons
Management bullying is unfortunately common, often involving aggressive supervision, impossible deadlines, constant criticism, or public humiliation. We see cases where managers use position power to intimidate employees, particularly those who challenge decisions or raise concerns.
Peer bullying involves colleagues systematically excluding, undermining, or harassing individuals. This often occurs when someone is perceived as different, threatens group dynamics, or receives favorable treatment. Social media and technology create new bullying platforms extending beyond workplace hours.
Bullying often targets employees who are vulnerable, whistleblow, or don't conform to workplace culture. Protected characteristics like disability, race, or sexual orientation frequently provide bullying pretexts, creating intersection with discrimination law.
Organizational bullying occurs through unreasonable policies, impossible targets, or systematic mistreatment of certain employee groups. Restructuring processes sometimes become bullying exercises designed to force resignations.
Your Rights and Typical Results
Workplace bullying leading to constructive dismissal typically results in £5,000-£20,000 compensation, with cases involving discrimination achieving higher amounts. The compensation depends on the severity of treatment and impact on your health and career.
No one should endure workplace bullying. If persistent mistreatment has forced your resignation, you may have valid legal claims.
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Frequently asked questions
