The Cost to Companies

Failing to deal with bullying is becoming an increasingly expensive option. Some recent court cases have established that companies have a duty of care towards their employees (at every level). There have been some high damages awards - particularly in the banking sector and there are more claims forthcoming.

Most companies do not deal with the problem until it has become well-established, whereas the far-sighted businesses realise that prevention is both cheaper and better than cure.

We offer a preventive service which we anticipate will become more attractive as the record of successful litigation grows.

Six Years

Companies can be sued for up to three years after the event in respect of claims for physical or mental damage.

More recently it has been established that the bullied can bring a claim under the Protection for Harassment Act - and under this legislation the bullied does not have to prove injury - merely that they were in fact harassed.

Many victims leave as they believe it is their only real option. They now have six years to bring a claim of harassment against the company - so the victim leaving may not be the end of the story as far as the employer is concerned.

Increasing Risk to Employers

There is likely to be a significant growth in claims brought by bullied employees and these are likely to be expensive and difficult to defend.

Policy is Not Enough

Employers believing that the possession of a written policy is sufficient to protect them from employees who have been bullied and/or harassed are seriously misled.

The policy needs to be active and managers have a duty to actively ensure that bullying is not taking place.