Bullying at work is a serious issue that affects thousands of employees across the UK every year. It can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues, while also damaging workplace morale and productivity. Understanding your rights and the legal options available is essential if you are experiencing workplace bullying.
What Is Bullying at Work?
Bullying at work can take many forms, including:
- Verbal abuse, insults, or humiliation
- Threats or intimidation
- Exclusion or isolation from work-related activities
- Unreasonable workload or impossible deadlines
- Undermining or sabotaging work
Some bullying may overlap with discrimination, harassment, or victimisation, especially if it targets protected characteristics such as age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, or religious belief.
Is Bullying in the Workplace a Criminal Offence?
While most bullying is not criminal, some behaviours can be illegal, such as:
- Physical assault or threats
- Racial or sexual harassment
- Stalking or sustained campaigns of abuse
Other bullying behaviours may lead to civil claims, particularly if they result in discrimination or constructive dismissal.
What to Do If You Are Bullied at Work
- Confront the Bully (If Safe)
Politely but firmly explain that their behaviour is unacceptable. Document the interaction for your records. - Report to Your Employer
Use your company’s grievance procedure or HR department. Submit a written complaint including dates, times, and witnesses. - Keep Detailed Records
Maintain a diary of incidents. Include emails, messages, or any evidence supporting your claim. - Don’t Resign Prematurely
Leaving your job without following internal procedures may weaken your ability to bring a claim. - Seek Legal Advice
Early legal guidance can improve your chances of a successful claim or help you negotiate a settlement if you decide to leave your employment.
When Bullying at Work Becomes a Legal Matter
If bullying amounts to discrimination, harassment, or constructive dismissal, you may have legal recourse.
- Discrimination claims: If bullying targets a protected characteristic.
- Constructive dismissal: If bullying forces you to resign.
- Compensation claims: For lost income, injury to feelings & personal injury (discrimination claims only) or other damages.
Tips to Protect Yourself
- Do not resign without exploring internal procedures
- Clearly communicate that the behaviour is unacceptable
- Report bullying to HR or your manager
- Check your employment handbook for grievance procedures
- Understand whether the bullying falls under protected characteristics
Need Help?
Workplace bullying is serious, and you do not have to face it alone. Our experienced solicitors can provide advice on:
- Bullying claims
- Employment tribunal proceedings
- Compensation for injury to feelings
- Constructive dismissal and unfair dismissal
Bullying includes repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to health and safety, undermines your confidence, or isolates you from work.
Yes, if bullying amounts to discrimination, harassment, or constructive dismissal. Evidence and following internal grievance procedures are key.
Claims to an employment tribunal generally have a 3-month time limit, although exceptions can apply.
