Anti-Bullying Week: Nov 12-16

What Is Bullying and Harassment?

Bullying and harassment are behaviours that make someone feel intimidated, offended or upset. While bullying itself isn’t specifically illegal, harassment is unlawful under the Equality Act 2010 when it relates to a protected characteristic.

Examples of Bullying or Harassing Behaviour

• Spreading malicious rumours
• Unfair treatment
• Picking on or regularly undermining someone
• Denying someone’s training or promotion opportunities

How Bullying and Harassment Can Occur

These behaviours can take place in various forms, including:

• Face-to-face interactions
• Written communications such as letters or emails
• Phone calls or voice messages

The Law on Harassment

Harassment becomes unlawful when it is connected to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics include:

• Age
• Sex
• Disability
• Gender (including gender reassignment)
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation

What to Do If You’re Bullied or Harassed

Employees should first attempt to resolve the issue informally by discussing the matter with:

• Their line manager
• The Human Resources (HR) department
• A trade union representative

If informal steps fail, they may:

• Use the employer’s formal grievance procedure
• Take legal action at an employment tribunal if harassment continues

For independent advice, contact the Acas helpline:

Telephone: 0300 123 1100
Textphone: 18001 0300 123 1100
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

Acas also offers a guidance leaflet on bullying and harassment.

Employers’ Responsibilities

Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace. They are liable for any harassment suffered by their employees. Key measures include:

• Developing and implementing a clear anti-bullying and harassment policy
• Providing training and awareness sessions for all staff
• Investigating complaints promptly and impartially

For practical advice on setting up and enforcing such a policy, see our article on Anti-Bullying Week is 12–16 November.