Legal Definition Of Bullying In The Workplace Uk

Sadly these unacceptable practices are commonplace.

Legal definition of bullying in the workplace uk. In the uk bullying may be covered by. Subtle workplace bullying also known as gaslighting the term gaslighting is a label which embraces a cocktail of inappropriate and often manipulative workplace practices. Your workplace should have a policy on bullying that says how it should be handled. This article was written by a member of the expert answers legal advice team.

The equality act 2010 if it is linked to a protected characteristic. Work related events or business trips like an office away day. Employers can minimise the risks by ensuring that they have a clear bullying and harassment policy in place. Even if there s no policy your employer has a legal duty of care to protect you while you re at work.

In this section we provide information on all aspects of bullying which can be characterised as offensive intimidating or malicious behaviour. The name in the law for your employer s responsibility is vicarious liability. Ensuring should have a zero tolerance policy on bullying the fact there is no actual law to prevent bullying in the workplace confuses matters. Social events organised by them like an office christmas party or a work related dinner.

If a colleague is harassing you they and your employer are both responsible. Harassment is unlawful under the equality act 2010. A survey on bullying was carried out as recommended by the group on bullying in the workplace survey reports 2007 was published. Bullying in the workplace is serious and it is important that employers and employees work collaboratively to ensure that it is eliminated from the workplace entirely.

In many european countries the term mobbing is used instead of bullying to describe this type of hostile behaviour in the workplace. Workplace bullying and harassment bullying and harassment is behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated or offended. The legal position on bullying is more complex as there s no single piece of legislation which deals with workplace bullying.