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Workplace bullying & harassment claims

At Stephensons we understand that a respectful workplace is crucial for the well-being and productivity of every employee. Unfortunately, bullying and harassment can create a toxic work environment and can cause employees emotional harm. If you’re facing these challenges in your place of work it’s important to know your rights and the legal solutions available to you.

Our specialist employment law team are experienced in helping people who are victims of workplace bullying and/or harassment and can advise you on the best course of action. For advice we recommend completing our online enquiry form - by completing the form as fully as possible, it will allow us to assess your case much more efficiently to tell you whether we can assist and what funding option we can recommend.

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Understanding your legal rights in bullying and harassment cases

When dealing with bullying or harassment at work, it’s essential to understand your legal rights as an employee. Although bullying itself is not yet recognised as a distinct legal claim in the employment tribunal, it can give rise to other claims such as constructive dismissal where an employee feels compelled to resign due to the employer’s breach of the implied term of mutual trust and confidence. In contrast, harassment related to protected characteristics is explicitly prohibited under the Equality Act 2010, and may lead to legal claims including compensation for injury to feelings, loss of earnings, and personal stress.

If your employer fails to address bullying or allows a hostile environment to develop, you may also be able to bring a claim for breach of contract or a claim under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in some instances. Each case is unique, and understanding the legal nuances is critical for a successful resolution. Our team of workplace bullying solicitors can help you make sense of your rights and options.

Examples of bullying and harassment behaviours

Bullying and harassment can manifest in various forms, often making it difficult for victims to identify and report them. Here are examples of behaviours that may constitute bullying or harassment in the workplace:

  • Unwarranted criticism or blame
  • Excluding someone from work-related activities or communications
  • Spreading malicious rumours or gossip
  • Persistent ridicule or humiliation in front of others
  • Assigning tasks with unrealistic deadlines or workload
  • Displaying offensive material in the workplace
  • Sending threatening or abusive emails or messages
  • Closely monitoring work in a manner that goes beyond reasonable supervision

Whether it’s subtle or overt, repeated or a one-off incident, the impact on the victim can be profound and lasting. Our workplace harassment solicitors can review your case and guide you towards the appropriate course of action.

What to do if you are being bullied or harassed at work

If you are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, taking early action is key to safeguarding your mental health and employment rights. Start by keeping a detailed record or diary of the incidents, noting dates, times, what was said or done, and any potential witnesses. Documenting the behaviour is crucial in building a clear picture should formal action be necessary.

Following this, attempt to address the issue informally, if you feel safe to do so. This may involve speaking directly to the perpetrator or discussing the situation confidentially with a line manager or a member of the HR department. If informal approaches do not resolve the issue, the next step is to submit a formal grievance in accordance with your employer’s grievance procedure.

When internal processes fail to deliver a satisfactory outcome, our employment law specialists can step in to advise you on whether you can bring a claim before an employment tribunal and what legal remedies might be available to you.

Time limits for bringing claims

In most employment law cases related to harassment or constructive dismissal, strict time limits apply. Generally, a claim must be lodged with the employment tribunal within three months less one day of the date of the last act of discrimination or the resignation date in constructive dismissal cases. It’s important to act quickly and obtain legal advice as early as possible to avoid missing a critical deadline. Our bullying and harassment solicitors ensure that all necessary steps are taken within the legal timeframes to preserve your claim.

Why choose Stephensons for your bullying and harassment claim?

Stephensons is a nationally recognised law firm with a strong reputation in employment law, particularly in cases involving workplace bullying and harassment. When you choose Stephensons, you gain access to a legal team that is:

  • Highly experienced in handling complex harassment and bullying cases
  • Ranked by The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners for employment law expertise
  • Accredited by the Law Society for excellence in legal practice
  • Dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential, and strategic legal advice
  • Available to assist clients locally in Manchester and throughout England and Wales

We understand the emotional toll these cases can take, and we are committed to helping you reclaim control, seek justice, and secure compensation if appropriate. Whether you're considering legal action or seeking advice on your next steps, our workplace bullying solicitors are ready to help.

Our approach: guiding you every step of the way

At Stephensons, we pride ourselves on offering clear, jargon-free advice that empowers you to make informed decisions. From the initial consultation through to resolution, our solicitors will handle every aspect of your case with professionalism and sensitivity. We offer practical solutions tailored to your specific circumstances, and we are well-versed in all applicable employment laws and case precedents that govern bullying and harassment in the workplace.

In many cases, we are able to resolve matters through a negotiated settlement or conciliation process, which can save time and reduce stress. Where necessary, we represent clients robustly at employment tribunals and in court proceedings. Our success is built on our deep legal knowledge and client-focused approach.

Get in touch

We offer a confidential initial assessment to discuss your situation and advise you on whether you have grounds for a legal claim. This first step is completely free of charge and carries no obligation. Should you wish to proceed, we can outline your options, estimated costs, and the likely outcomes based on our extensive experience in this area of employment law.

Whether you are unsure of your rights or ready to take formal legal action, Stephensons is here to support you with expert advice and effective representation tailored specifically to your individual circumstances. We recommend completing our online enquiry form - by completing the form as fully as possible, it will allow us to assess your case much more efficiently to tell you whether we can assist and what funding option we can recommend.

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