Bullying in the Workplace

[Kimthurston]

Wonder if anyone can help. I am being systematically humiliated and denigated at work. I can honestly say, and my colleagues agree with me, that it is totally unfounded. However, ACAS say you should speak with your HR Manager/Line Manager but the problem is, the person responsible for HR is in a relationship with the person with whom I have the problem. I have to point out that it is not a work colleague who is carrying this out, but a Boss! Please can anyone help please?

[PeeBee1]

Is there anyone higher than your boss? Not fair is it, i had something similar with my boss, lost it one day on her, told her how i felt, guess who ended up in tears & apologising?.....Wasnt me!!! Good luck, you shouldnt have to put up with this x

[Kimthurston]

Thanks for that PeeBee1, dreadful situation and I am sorry you have encountered it also. No, nobody higher unfortunately.

[marval]

You need to make notes every time they do it. If they do it in front of your work colleagues, tell them to stop loudly. Let your boss know that it is not professional, and I would be tempted to ask him why he does it without provocation. It it a pity that your HR person is in a relationship with them.

I have heard of these people, it might be worth a look.

http://www.andreaadamstrust.org/

I hope you can get it sorted soon.

[Pigletion]

In this ACAS leaflet http://www.acas.org.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=30 6&p=0
it says, "The legal position
Employers are responsible for preventing bullying and harassing
behaviour. It is in their interests to make it clear to everyone that such
behaviour will not be tolerated � the costs to the business may include
poor employee relations, low morale, inefficiency and potentially the loss
of staff. An organisational statement to all staff about the standards of
behaviour expected can make it easier for all individuals to be fully aware
of their responsibilities to others."

It seems like your boss is your employer (if there is no one above them). Therefore they are not doing anything to prevent it! It might be worth giving ACAS a call and outlining the whole situation.


Hope you get it sorted

[Lil O'lady]

You could benefit from being in a trade union and letting them handle this for you.

[Kimthurston]

Many thanks to you all, really helpful advice x

[CAJ1]

Definitly write down time, dates and what has been said in case you need to use it in the future. I would maybe try putting in a written complaint to the HR Manager, date it and keep a copy. I know she is in a relationship with the man but she is required to look into it. If this does not happen then you should maybe seek advice from a solicitor, join a trade union or try the other links people have posted above.

I feel for you as it is happening in my work place. I regularly get called incompetent, have my lunch picked up off my desk and gone through to see what bad things I'm eating and belittled in front of other people. My HR Manager is on a career break for a year and the only person above the guy doing this is the MD and he plays golf with him and wonuldn't do a thing if I complained. I'm keeping a note of things and will investigate what to do with it. Best of luck, don't let them get you down x

[Kimthurston]

Thanks CAJ1, sorry to hear you are also in a similar situation! The real problem I have is that I work for a Firm of Solicitors! Double trouble there! Good luck to you, keep your chin up!

[Androcles]

Put the HR Manager on the spot. Raise a formal grievance in writing. Do you know if they are a member of the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)? If so they are governed by a professional code of conduct and could get their membership examined if they behave unprofessionally by allowing personal issues to interfere. Might be good to find out and remind them of that if it becomes necessary. (see http://www.cipd.co.uk/about/profco.htm )

You are allowed to have somebody with you when you have the grievance meeting, so it can be embarrassing if you can get somebody authoritative, such as a lawyer or a union official.

You can also call witnesses on your behalf, so see if any of your colleagues will be prepared to support you.

[Androcles]

Just seen you work for solicitors. That can be both good and bad, but they are more likely to be concerned about the HR manager's professional conduct being questioned, and you can also complain about solicitors conduct if they behave similarly.

[Kimthurston]

Androcles, they are not members of the institution you mention, but thanks for the tip. I have worked for Solicitors for over 29 years and can quite honestly say they are the most unprofessional bunch of animals i have ever clapped eyes on. It is difficult to "hold back" as it were, but am compiling events as they occur. Again, thanks.

[R1Geezer]

Are you mental, you and CAJ tell them to stuff it! You don't have to put up with that sh1te. No job is worth that.

[Kimthurston]

Would love to tell them to shove their job, but unfortunately I am the major wage earner in the home and need the job! Spend all lunchtime looking for alternative employment, but no joy so far. One day, my time will come and I will leave in a blaze of glory!!!

[Margaret007]

If you are looking to a future case of Constructive Dismissal. Please, as others have stated keep a diary of all incidents, including all present at incident.
Follow Grievance Procedure laid down to the letter, Request the meeting, you are allowed a Union Rep or a workmate with you, hard to get a workmate as it might put their position at work in jeopardy. My advice, record the meeting.

Unfortunately, in this situation Procedure is all important. But this procedure is also very important to your employers, being Solicitors I am sure they know that, also that the Code of Practice changed 9th April this year. But if your grievance started before that, the old rules apply. Please find out where you stand on grievance procedure.

Bullying in the workplace in unforgivable and should not be happening to you. But, unfortunate once you raise the grievance procedure, your employees will do what they can to get rid of you any way they can. The outcomes available to you are: the bully leaves or stops seeing the boss. You leave and put it all down to experience or you go through the procedure which might lead to Constructive Dismissal.

Let us know how you get on.