Workplace Harassment Experts
Bullying and harassment are not limited to school environments — they can, and do, occur at work. If you’re experiencing intimidation, mistreatment, or humiliation in the workplace, you don’t have to face it alone. Our experts are here to provide clear advice, practical support, and help you take the right next steps.
Are You Experiencing Bullying or Harassment at Work?
Everyone is entitled to dignity, fairness, and respect in the workplace. If you’re being bullied or harassed—whether openly or in more subtle ways—the law provides protection and support when you decide to take action.
As a first step, we can advise you on practical ways to address and stop unacceptable behaviour at work. If the situation persists, or if your employer fails to intervene, we can help you explore formal legal options, including bringing a claim against your employer for failing in their duty of care.
What Counts as Bullying in the Workplace?
What may be dismissed as “banter” can quickly cross the line into harmful and unacceptable conduct. Workplace bullying can take many forms, including:
- Persistent or excessive criticism, especially in front of colleagues
- Being deliberately excluded from meetings, emails, or team activities
- Ongoing teasing, offensive remarks, or sexual comments
- Threats relating to job security or career progression
- Humiliation or deliberate undermining
- Intimidation or threatening behaviour
- Verbal or physical abuse
- Online harassment or cyberbullying
If behaviour causes distress, fear, or humiliation, it should not be ignored.
How does Harassment Law Protect Employees?
In addition to bullying, many workers experience harassment. Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment is defined as unwanted behaviour linked to a protected characteristic that violates someone’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment.
Protected characteristics include:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage or civil partnership (in employment)
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
Importantly, offensive remarks or jokes do not have to be aimed directly at you to qualify as harassment. If such behaviour occurs within your hearing or workplace environment, it may still be unlawful.
What Steps Should I Take if I’m Being Bullied or Harassed?
If you feel safe doing so, you may wish to raise the issue directly with the person responsible—ideally with a trusted colleague present. In some cases, individuals may not fully realise the impact of their behaviour and may stop once it is challenged. Keeping a written record of this discussion is advisable.
If the behaviour continues, or if direct confrontation is not appropriate, you should raise the matter formally with your line manager or HR department. If your manager is involved, escalate the issue to a senior colleague or another appropriate authority within the organisation.
Once a formal complaint is made, your employer is legally required to investigate and take reasonable steps to stop the behaviour.
If your employer fails to act, legal advice should be sought without delay.
Can I Take Legal Action for Workplace Bullying or Harassment?
Yes. If your employer does not take reasonable steps to protect you, you may be able to pursue legal action. Employment tribunal claims are time-sensitive and generally must be started within three months of the last incident.
Before submitting a tribunal claim, you must notify ACAS and take part in early conciliation. If this does not resolve the issue, ACAS will issue a certificate allowing you to proceed to tribunal.
Our specialist employment experts can support you throughout this process. We can also advise on claims for personal injury in the civil courts where your mental or physical health has been affected, or on constructive dismissal if you feel unable to continue working in an abusive environment.