Bullying and Harassment at Work
How can we help?
Your right to a respectful workplace
Everyone deserves fair and respectful treatment at work. Unfortunately, experiencing workplace bullying and harassment takes a serious toll on your mental health where left unaddressed.
If you’ve been bullied or harassed by a manager or colleague, you may have grounds to take legal action against your employer.
Bullying vs. harassment: what’s the difference?
The terms bullying and harassment are often confused and used interchangeably.
Under the Equality Act, bullying behaviour can constitute harassment if it involves unwanted conduct linked to a “protected characteristic”.
What counts as harassment?
Harassment is defined as unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates your dignity or creates a hostile work environment.
The Equality Act 2010 protects you from harassment related to these protected characteristics:
- age
- sex
- religion or belief
- sexual orientation
- race
- disability
- marriage or civil partnership
- gender reassignment
- pregnancy and maternity
Workplace bullying
Examples of bullying in your job include:
- excessive criticism, especially in public
- threats to job security
- verbal or physical abuse
- cyberbullying or online abuse
- humiliation or constant teasing
- suggestive remarks/humour
- exclusion from work activities or meetings
- intimidation or threats of violence
Bullying behaviour which is not linked to a protected characteristic may still lead to other legal issues. For example, being subjected to severe bullying could lead to a claim of constructive dismissal.
Steps to take if you’re being bullied or harassed at work
- Speak to the person involved
If possible, talk to the person responsible. You can bring a trusted colleague as a witness. They may not realise the impact of their actions and could stop once confronted. - Seek support
If the bullying is affecting your health, speak to your GP for advice and support. - Raise the issue with your employer
Report the issue to your line manager or HR department if the bullying or harassment continues. Your employer is legally required to investigate and act to protect your wellbeing. They should do all they can to prevent workplace bullying and harassment. - Seek legal advice
If the issue persists and your employer fails to act, or if you require support in raising the issue with them, get in touch with our specialist team.
How we can help
Workplace bullying and harassment can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. We provide expert legal advice and support at every stage, helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Send us a message
“We’ll listen sympathetically and advise you on your options. If necessary we can represent you at an Employment Tribunal.”
Rachel Mills
Managing Associate
Natalie Abbott
Partner & Head of Employment
Natalie works in our Nottingham office. She is a Partner and Employment Law specialist with over 10 years’ experience representing both businesses and individuals across a range of employment services including settlement agreements, discrimination, dismissals and redundancy.
Rachel Mills
Managing Associate
Rachel Mills is a Managing Associate in Rothera Bray’s Employment Law department and is based at our Derby office.
Lauren Kilbride
Associate Solicitor
Lauren Kilbride is an Associate Solicitor within Rothera Bray’s Employment Law department and is based at the firm’s Lace Market, Nottingham office.
George Cokkinos
Solicitor
George Cokkinos is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Employment department and is based at our Derby office.
Will Trotter
Solicitor
Will Trotter is a Solicitor in Rothera Bray’s Employment Law department and is based at our Nottingham office.
Joshua Davies
Paralegal
Joshua Davies is a Paralegal in Rothera Bray’s Employment team and is based in our Nottingham city centre office.
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