Bullying and Harassment
Our team of Employment solicitors consists of dedicated specialists and lawyers who deal exclusively with employment law. The team has over 60 years’ experience collectively and have wide, in-depth knowledge of all employment matters and disputes.
You can be assured Lawson West’s solicitors keep up to date with the latest legal developments and changes to bring you the best advice.
Lawson West’s expert employment solicitors and lawyers have significant experience in cases of bullying and harassment.
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There is no UK legislation specifically to protect those who may be suffering, or have suffered, from Bullying.
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Harassment, on the other hand, is protected under the Equality Act 2010, and this means that employees are not left without protection.
If the bullying and harassing behaviour, which can include any unwanted conduct or unwelcome behaviour, is due to an employee's protected characteristic (such as disability, race, sex, age or pregnancy), employment law protection is provided by the Equality Act 2010.
More general statutory protection is afforded by the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, the Public Order Act 1986 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. For instance, an employer can be liable for the consequences of any harassment committed by an employee in the course of his employment in breach of the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. However, seeking protection under these provisions would necessitate a claim in the Civil Courts rather than an Employment Tribunal.
It is also open to an employee suffering bullying at work to resign and present a claim for constructive unfair dismissal, provided that they are an employee (as opposed to a contract worker or self employed) and dependant on two year's continuous service (unless you have also been discriminated against, for example, on the grounds of your age, race, disability or sex). If you are bringing a claim for Harassment under one of your protected characteristics, you do not need to have two year’s continuous service.
There is an implied term in all employment contracts that employers shall provide 'reasonable support' to an employee to ensure that they can carry out the duties of his or her job without harassment and disruption by fellow workers. Thus, employees suffering from bullying at work may, in appropriate circumstances, be able to bring a claim for breach of contract or constructive dismissal against their employers.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have faced bullying and harassment at work, we can help. Please remember there are strict time limitations in Employment claims and you should take good free legal advice as soon as possible.
In addition to No Win No Fee, Lawson West solicitors acts for our clients on a variety of other funding arrangements including Legal Expenses insurance funding. We can assess your case to decide which is the best funding option for you.
With offices in Leicester and Market Harborough our employment solicitors and lawyers can discuss your employment law claim at any of our branches. In addition, we are a national provider of expert employment law advice and welcome a free discussion with you regarding your circumstances and potential claim.
If you believe you have a situation where you require free legal advice, please contact us on telephone 0116 212 1000 or 01858 445 480, alternatively fill in the free Contact Us form and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
