What can individuals do?

The TUC online advice, Bullied at work? Don’t suffer in silence, advises workers that if they feel they are being singled out or bullied at work, they should not have to put up with it. It recommends speaking to the bully as a first step:

“A direct approach is usually the best. Tell the person that you find their behaviour unacceptable and ask them to stop. This is sometimes all that is needed. Bullies do not like being confronted particularly by someone who is calm and civilised.”

It adds: “The majority of bullying goes on behind closed doors. So tell a friend or work colleague. You may well find out you are not the only one who has suffered. It is important that you do not try to cope on your own.”

Specialists’ union Prospect has produced a sample letter for members to use against a harasser:

Sometimes, however, speaking (or even writing) to the bully is impossible for the victim to contemplate, and nobody should feel obliged to do this. In any event, any member suffering from bullying should speak to a union representative in confidence as soon as possible. Unions can also give free legal advice, put victims in touch with support groups and approach the employer or the bully.

The communications union CWU reports that all its reps are obliged to undergo education and training to understand equality and diversity issues and they have been issued with guidance on how to deal with harassment sensitively and in confidence. All representatives have to attend a mandatory one-day equality and diversity training course.

If necessary, bullying victims should seek medical help — from the occupational health service, welfare service, employee assistance programme, or their own GP.

If the incidents are serious or if challenging the bully has not worked (or the victim feels unable to take this step), the formal complaints and/or grievance procedure should be used. Union representatives can advise on this route. Mediation may also be offered but remember that where it is available, it must be entirely voluntary. Speak to your rep if mediation is offered. See Chapter 6 for more information about mediation.

In any event, victims of bullying should never go to a meeting related to the complaint without their union representative, a friend or a colleague as a witness.