Put the events in order
The words used, the context and the effect on you can all matter. A dated record can help distinguish a disagreement at work from conduct that may give rise to a legal remedy.
Employment Law
Harassment and Bullying at Work
Repeated criticism, unwanted comments or intimidating behaviour can make working life difficult. We can help you assess what has happened, how to raise it and whether there may be a legal claim.
Understanding your next steps
How we can help
Understand the legal position
Bullying and unlawful harassment are not identical. Some conduct may involve discrimination or other employment rights. We look at the facts rather than assuming every unpleasant incident has the same legal route.
Respond to a complaint
We can discuss a grievance, an employer’s response and possible next steps. If you are an employer, bring the complaint and the relevant policies so the process can be reviewed.
A clear way forward
What happens next
What to have ready
Bring a chronology, messages, meeting notes, policies and any grievance or investigation papers. Record who was present and keep a note of any effect on your work or health.
Your next step
Tell us whether the behaviour is continuing, whether you have raised it and whether you are considering leaving. We can discuss an appropriate first step and the documents needed.
Planning ahead
Fees and timescales
01 / Fees
What the costs cover
We agree the scope and costs before starting. Advice on raising a complaint, reviewing an investigation and pursuing a claim involve different amounts of work.
02 / Timescales
Timing and deadlines
Act promptly if there may be a tribunal claim. Waiting for an investigation to finish does not by itself protect a claim deadline. Tell us about every relevant date and any ongoing conduct.
Read our published Price Guide, then contact us to confirm the work you need and the costs involved.
View Price GuideUseful to know
Your questions, answered
Is bullying automatically unlawful harassment?
No. Harassment has specific legal tests. Bullying that falls outside those tests may still raise other legal issues, which need to be assessed on the facts.
What if the behaviour happened online?
Keep the messages or posts and their dates. Work-related conduct can occur away from the workplace, but the context and connection with work matter.
Should I resign?
Take advice before resigning. A constructive dismissal claim is not established simply by leaving because work has become difficult.
Can an employer ask for advice too?
Yes. We can discuss the complaint, the policy and the response proposed. A fair investigation and accurate records matter to everyone involved.
General information for England and Wales. Contact us for advice about your circumstances.
SJS Solicitors · Balham