Bullying and harassment
In a workplace context, “harassment” is unwanted conduct related to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 (other than marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity) that has the purpose of violating a person's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that person. Harassment in the workplace can also occur where a person reasonably considers conduct to have that effect, even if the effect is unintended.
“Bullying” is not defined in UK employment law. Acas defines workplace bullying as “offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the person being bullied”. The Health and Safety Executive stresses that bullying is a pattern of behaviour rather than isolated instances, and states that it “involves negative behaviour being targeted at an individual, or individuals, repeatedly and persistently over time”.
Managers sweep harassment under the carpet, says CIPD report
Almost a quarter of employees believe that – despite the rise of movements such as #MeToo – bullying and harassment...
Workers speaking up over sexual misconduct at law firms
Sexual misconduct complaints and cases rise sharply as #MeToo wields influence.
Sexual harassment victims urged to help shape policy
Minister for women Victoria Atkins (pictured) launches bid to gauge scale and nature of workplace sexual harassment.
‘Toxic, bullying culture’ and lack of diversity in fire services
Some of England’s fire and rescue services have a 'toxic, bullying culture' and a lack of diversity, inspectors have found.
EHRC issues new guidance on dealing with sexual harassment
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has issued new guidance on dealing with sexual harassment at work.
In a letter...
Highways England driver harassed before job began wins £74k
An ex-Highways England driver has been awarded almost £74,000 in compensation by an employment tribunal after she was harassed by...
‘Anti-IQ’ slurs: Why HR should be mindful of intelligence-related bullying
Terms like “nerd” and “geek” may not seem as harmful as racial or homophobic slurs, but a senior academic last...
Physio pursues unfair dismissal claim while fighting deportation
An NHS physiotherapist is fighting a Home Office attempt to remove her from the UK after being dismissed from her job.
Lloyd’s of London staff urged to behave during Christmas party season
Lloyd’s of London has urged its own staff and those of its members to behave correctly at this year’s Christmas...
Top 10 HR questions November 2019: IR35, Christmas parties and PILON
Pending a review announced by chancellor Sajid Javid, reforms to the IR35 rules are due to be extended to the...
PwC cracks down on office drinking
Consulting firm PwC has introduced new rules around when and where employees can drink alcohol in the office.
Under the...
Supreme Court hears final Barclays appeal in sexual harassment case
Supreme Court hears final appeal in significant vicarious liability case with a verdict expected in February.
Why employers need to understand associative discrimination
There is ambiguity over whether claims of associative discrimination can succeed under the Equality Act 2010 but EU law offers some encouragement to...
Embassy secretary awarded £400,000 for ‘spiteful’ sex discrimination
Employment tribunal awards £400,000 to former Qatari Embassy secretary who was subjected to a campaign of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Hotel sector failing to protect ‘vulnerable workforce’ from modern slavery
Only 18 of 71 global hotel firms operating in the UK have met the minimum requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.
