The U.K. Home & Business Security Advisor |
We all have a right to work and enjoy a happy and productive environment. We have a right NOT to be abused, harrassed, bullied or intimidated.
These days most employers take any form of bullying very seriously but, unfortunately, there are workers out there who play the system for their own advantages. Allegations of sexual, racial or homophobic harassment are easy to make and difficult to disprove.
Some people appear to thrive on being a "victim". Others see every disagreement as a slight against their colour, race, gender or sexual orientation.
If you feel that you are being treated unfairly, consider the situation as dispassionately as possible. Seek opinions from trusted colleagues. Once you are satisfied that the treatment you are experiencing is real and not imagined, get immediate advice. You need to establish your legal standing, so that when you report the situation to your employer, you already know the action he is expected to take.
If you feel too intimidated to report the matter please DO NOT suffer in silence. Bullies should not be allowed to get away with it. Speak to someone, anyone, to share your feelings and concerns. Take someone with you to the Citizens Advice Bureau, or an employment law specialist.
Your Personnel Officer will have your best interests at heart. Speak to him/her in confidence. Once the company knows what's going on, they cannot sit back and do nothing, in case of worse problems in the future.
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