Definition
Repeated, unreasonable behaviour directed towards an employee that creates a risk to their health and safety. Workplace bullying can include verbal abuse, intimidation, humiliation, exclusion, and unreasonable workload demands.
UK Context
There is no standalone anti-bullying law in the UK. Legal protection comes from the Equality Act 2010 (harassment related to protected characteristics), the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, the employer's common law duty of care, and health and safety legislation. ACAS provides guidance on bullying and harassment and can offer early conciliation for related disputes.
Best Practices
- Implement a clear anti-bullying and harassment policy that defines bullying, sets out reporting procedures, and outlines consequences
- Train all managers on recognising bullying, handling complaints, and modelling respectful behaviour
- Investigate all complaints promptly, fairly, and confidentially, regardless of the seniority of the alleged bully
- Monitor staff surveys and exit interview data for patterns that may indicate a bullying culture in specific teams
Frequently Asked Questions
Is workplace bullying illegal in the UK?
There is no specific standalone law against workplace bullying. However, bullying related to a protected characteristic is unlawful harassment under the Equality Act 2010. Other legal avenues include the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, the employer's duty of care, and constructive dismissal claims.
What should an employee do if they are being bullied?
Keep a written record of incidents (dates, times, what happened, witnesses). Raise the issue informally with the bully if safe to do so, then report it formally through the employer's grievance or anti-bullying procedure. Seek support from a trade union representative, HR, or an external helpline such as ACAS.
Can a manager's legitimate management actions be bullying?
No. Reasonable management actions — such as setting performance targets, giving constructive feedback, managing attendance, or restructuring work — are not bullying even if the employee finds them unwelcome. Bullying requires unreasonable, repeated behaviour that goes beyond normal management.