Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination and Victimisation in the Workplace

Bullying, harassment, discrimination and victimisation in the workplace can take many different forms. It may be quite blatant and involve verbal or physical abuse, or it may be more subtle and involve exclusion, rumours, unfair treatment or overbearing supervision. Whatever form it does take, it may be discriminatory, i.e. it may relate to a ‘protected characteristic’ in line with the Equality Act 2010, which includes age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

An employee is protected from discrimination which relates to a ‘protected characteristic’ if they themselves possess the characteristic, are perceived to possess the characteristic or associate with someone who has or is perceived to have a protected characteristic.

As an employer you have a responsibility to ensure that your working environment is one which is healthy and safe, free from any form of bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation. This includes from management, employees, and any third parties i.e., clients, sub-contractors, volunteers etc.

It is therefore recommended that you have a policy in place which clearly sets out how you will prevent, manage and deal with any claims of bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation.

For further information, please contact [email protected]