Boss is a bully

[lukey121]

My boss is such a bully and is always putting people down. Almost every week someone goes home crying.  I am going to write a letter to the head of the company but can I take it any further if that fails. Does workplace bullying fall anywhere into the law? Are there any legal terms I can use when I write this letter?

[Hgrove]

please contact a law centre (ask your local CAB to direct you to one).  I think there is something called victimisation.

[Octavius]

Before you do anything, check out the guidance here:

http://www.tuc.org.uk/tuc/rights_bullyatwork.cfm

[ursula62]

Usually bully bosses are supported by weak managementand you will only make yourself unpopular and a target for bullying if you fight back, even if it is on someone else's behalf.

If you can beat the bully at their own game then give it a go, but really in a no win environment, the best thing to do is remove yourself from this situation. Start looking for a new job. Best of luck in your search!

[Octavius]

Ursula that is a very negative response.  It is an employers duty to resolve this situation by acting, not the employees responsibility to run away.  If the employer does not fulfil his duty under the H&S at Work Act, then the employee has every right to take them to court and claim against the firm for damages.

A court (provided the evidence is substantiated) will uphold the point of law and the comapny should be very worried indeed. 

[Guinevere]

I would suggest speaking to your Citizen's Advice Bureau.  They should be able to give you some help in finding the most constructive way of dealing with this.  I can see where Ursula is coming from coz some people will always turn a blind eye.  If you can show that your boss's attitude is being detrimental to the company by lowering morale etc then the head of the company really should listen.  Good luck!

[Miss Zippy]

Your employer is responsible for preventing bullying and harassment.Your boss's managers may not be aware of the problems so you need to bring this to their attention. Make sure you and your affected colleagues keep diaries noting all instances of bullying - noting the date, time, what prompted the behaviour and who witnessed it.  In any letter to you write to your employer, state that the bullying and harassment has led to a "breakdown of mutual trust and confidence". Mutual trust and confidence in an implied term in all contracts of emplyment and if it is broken your employer is in breach of your contract of employment.  This means you can resign and claim "constructive dismissal" and make a claim through the Employment Tribunal.  However, I'd say this should be seen as a last resort as ET claims can be very stressful, protracted and expensive.  Also, should you or your colleagues decide to resign over the bullying and claim constructive dismisall, you MUST have pursued the matter first through your company's own internal grievance procedure as if you do not give your employer the chance to remedy the situation, an ET will not entertain a claim,

[ursula62]

In an ideal world I'd agree with you Octavius.

However, in my experience, the working environment is rarely ideal.

I have seen many managers get away with bullying, and I have seen friends and co-workers sacked for raising complaints.

In the interests of self preservation I would advise lukey121 to get out of that situation if he can.

That's not negative, it's practical.

[lukey121]

Thanks for all your answers, they have been really helpful.