Introduction

As with stress, there is no current law that specifically deals bullying at work although research evidence indicates that a third to a half of work-related stress may be caused by bullying at work. Many employers are now outlawing bullying by including it in their Equal Opportunities Policies. It is important that union reps are involved in working with employers to ensure that measures are put in place that aim to challenge a culture of bullying at work. 

Members have the right to be protected from bullying behaviour in the workplace.  Staff and managers should be in no doubt that bullying will not be condoned and complaints of bullying will be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

Defining Bullying

Since there is no specific legislation covering this issue, there is no legal definition of what kinds of behaviour constitutes bullying. However, a generally accepted definition of bullying, provided by ACAS, is:

“Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means intended to undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient”

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