General Article Bullying in the workplace

Topic Selected: Bullying
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What is bullying at work?

Bullying at work is when someone tries to intimidate another worker, often in front of colleagues. It’s usually, though not always, done to someone in a less senior position.
It’s similar to harassment, which is where someone’s behaviour is offensive – for example, making sexual comments, or abusing someone’s race, religion or sexual orientation.
It’s not possible to make a legal claim directly about bullying, but complaints can be made under laws covering discrimination and harassment. If you’re forced to resign due to bullying you can make a constructive dismissal claim.

Examples of bullying behaviour

Bullying includes abuse, physical or verbal violence, humiliation and undermining someone’s confidence. You are probably being bullied if, for example, you’re:

  • constantly picked on;
  • humiliated in front of colleagues;
  • regularly unfairly treated;
  • physically or verbally abused;
  • blamed for problems caused by others;
  • always given too much to do, so that ...

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