Bullying In The Workplace

Help in Crisis

Bullying In The Workplace

It's easy to dismiss bullying as something that only children go through, but bullying in the workplace is very common. In a survey carried out by the TUC in 2005, 2 million people in the UK reported being bullied at work in the previous six months and 47% of employees had witnessed others being bullied.

If you are being bullied your likely to feel anxious and stressed. Consider getting help from the following people

Phone or visit your GP
Call NHS 24 on 08454 24 24 24 or 18001 08454 24 24 24 (textphone). A specially trained nurse or advisor will help you if you are ill or have health concerns about someone close to you. They can also help you find local health services and other useful contacts. Visit www.nhs24.com for self-care advice.
Call Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87 (free, 6pm-2pm). If you're feeling down or depressed, advisers will listen and provide information and advice
Call Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 (low cost, 24 hrs) or email: jo@samaritans.org. Confidential, non-judgemental emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide.

If you've been victim of violence at work from a member of the public call the Violence At Work helpline on 0800 019 211 or visit their website.

According to Breathing Space, employers are beginning to take steps to crack down on bullying at work. They offer the following advice:

Get advice

Talk to your family, friends and - if your place of work has one - a union to get advice on what can be done. This will help you to understand the different options open to you and to decide on the best course of action.

Keep a log

Record all instances of bullying in detail, not forgetting to note dates, times, possible witnesses, what was said or done and how it affected you. This can be used later as evidence.

Get support

If others are being bullied as well as you, talk to them and see if it is possible to deal with the problem collectively, rather than as an individual. Other staff may support you as well. However, make sure colleagues keep the matter confidential until it is time to act.

Confront the bully

Make clear to the person bullying you that their behavior is offensive and must stop. You may feel able to do this on your own but it is likely to be better with the support of a colleague, Union Rep or supportive manager.

Make a formal complaint

By complaining formally and in writing to management you are putting the onus on them to do something about the bullying. They should investigate your complaint and if bullying is proven, should take disciplinary action (which may include dismissal) against the perpetrator.

Consider legal action

It may be possible to take action under discrimination legislation or under the Protection from Harassment Act. In some cases, successful legal action could result in the bully being fined or even imprisoned.

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