Harassment

Have you been harassed?

What is bullying and harassment? The Equality Act defines it as “Unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual. Sexual harassment is the most common form of harassment.

What should you expect from your employers:

• A policy that covers bullying and harassment
• A statement of commitment from senior management and an acknowledgement of the problems that these issues present for the organisation
• A clear statement that bullying and harassment will not be tolerated
• Training for managers
• A confidential complaint’s process
• That the matter is investigated promptly, objectively, and fully
• That disciplinary action is taken if the organisation believes that the allegations require formalisation and further investigation via a disciplinary process
• Where the disciplinary charges are proven the organisation should impose an appropriate and proportionate disciplinary sanction in the light of the facts that have been established
• The provision of support and counselling
• Mediation