Workplace bullying is costing the UK a fortune

With research showing that bullying at work is soaring and the cost to UK PLC significant, employment experts are encouraging companies to tackle workplace bullying, as part of ‘National Ban Bullying Week 2009' (16-20 November). In addition to the huge emotional cost of bullying, defending a tribunal claim costs employers an average of £20,000 and that figure is rising. Last year there were 189,000 tribunal applications - up one third from 2006.

According to public sector union Unison, reports of bullying have doubled in the past decade and their survey of 7,000 workers found that more than one in three had been bullied in the past six months.

Mamoon Chaudhary, Partner at Oxley & Coward Solicitors in Rotherham, said: "Figures show that 20% of management time is spent in dealing with conflict and 50% of staff who take long term sickness are struggling with bullying issues,1 so it's important that companies take a serious look at how much time their managers spend dealing with conflict, and how much litigation has to be handled by their lawyers."

"If there's a problem, they need to take action and deal with negative behaviour. As well as avoiding the cost of employment tribunals, a good working environment pays dividends all round."

Bullying at work is when someone tries to intimidate another worker, often in front of colleagues, and is often done by someone in a more senior position. It is similar to harassment, where someone's behaviour is offensive in making sexual comments, or abusing someone's race, religion or sexual orientation.

As well as the more obvious examples of bullying at work like being humiliated in front of colleagues, or physical or verbal abuse, it can include blocking promotion, malicious rumours, or copying memos that are critical of someone to others who do not need to know.

"The legal position with respect to bullying is more complex than discrimination, as there isn't a separate piece of legislation to deal with it, but there is protection for employees," added Mamoon Chaudhary.

"For example, they can claim breach of contract on the basis that their employer has failed to provide reasonable support to ensure they can fulfil their job without harassment or disruption. Or there may be circumstances for claiming constructive unfair dismissal or by claiming personal injury protection, as employers have a legal duty to take reasonable care to avoid their workers suffering illness or injury," he concluded.

Are you worried about bullying in the workplace and need Legal advice? For further information and a FREE initial discussion, contact Mamoon Chaudhary at Oxley & Coward Solicitors on 01709 510999, visit www.oxcow.co.uk or e-mail mamoon.chaudhary@oxcow.co.uk

ENDS

References:

1. Published by People Management January 2009
2. Personnel Today 23 September 2008

Media Contact: BeyondPR. Tel.: 0114 275 6996. Mob: 07930 697773. www.beyondpr.co.uk
Ref: OXCOW042 - Bullying

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