Representing both sides

The complainant and the alleged harasser may both be members of the same union and will both need representation. The union should have a clear policy in place to deal with this. If it is not possible to represent them both with workplace reps, the regional office will probably become involved. The two reps will not communicate with each other in any way about the case until it is concluded — as they may have to give evidence at a tribunal.

General union Unite recommends in its guide, Zero tolerance, that the complainant must not be represented by a union rep of lower rank than the person representing the alleged harasser.