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Feeling intimidated, humiliated, or stressed at work can take a serious toll. Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful workplace, but bullying and harassment can make that hard to achieve. If you are facing these challenges, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself and resolve the situation.
At Warner Goodman LLP, our Employment Litigation team can support you in raising a grievance with your employer and, if bullying or harassment continues, guide you through the next legal steps with care and understanding.
Bullying in the workplace is offensive, intimidating, malicious, or insulting behaviour that involves a misuse of power. It can leave employees feeling vulnerable, humiliated, or stressed.
Common examples include:
Reasonable feedback or constructive criticism intended to help you improve your performance is not considered bullying.
Harassment is unwanted physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates a hostile, degrading, or offensive environment. Under the Equality Act 2010, harassment can relate to a protected characteristic, including:
Discriminatory comments or jokes about these characteristics, even if not directed at you personally, may still constitute harassment.
Employees who report bullying or harassment should not face retaliation or any adverse consequences (known as Victimisation). If this occurs, raise it under your employer’s grievance procedure.
If bullying or harassment continues despite internal procedures, legal action may be possible:
We can guide you through your legal options if bullying or harassment continues, helping you take action and seek the outcome you deserve with understanding and care.
Our Employment Litigation team provides expert advice and support for employees facing workplace bullying and harassment. We can:
 | Guide you through your employer’s grievance process |
| Provide legal advice on Employment Tribunal claims |
| Assist with discrimination, constructive dismissal, and related claims |
| Support you in seeking compensation for mental or physical harm |
No one should have to face bullying or harassment alone. At Warner Goodman LLP, we provide guidance and support to help you address issues at work and protect your well-being.
Bullying is repeated, offensive, intimidating, or insulting behaviour that misuses power and causes stress or humiliation. Harassment specifically relates to unwanted conduct connected to a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010 (e.g., age, sex, race, disability) and creates a hostile or degrading environment.
You are not required to report internally to take legal action, but following your employer’s grievance procedure can strengthen your case and may lead to a resolution without tribunal involvement. Keeping a detailed record of incidents is essential.
Yes. If the bullying or harassment is severe enough to breach the implied term of mutual trust and confidence in your contract, resigning may be treated as constructive dismissal, giving you grounds for a claim. Legal advice is crucial before taking this step.
Absolutely. Cyberbullying, offensive emails, inappropriate messages, and social media abuse all count as workplace bullying or harassment if they relate to your role or protected characteristic.
Tribunals may award compensation for:
Victimisation occurs when an employer retaliates against an employee for raising a grievance or making a tribunal claim. It is illegal, and employees are entitled to protection under UK law.
Employment Tribunal claims must generally be submitted within three months less one day from the date of the last incident. Early legal advice is recommended to avoid missing deadlines.
Yes. You can raise a grievance, seek internal resolution, or pursue legal action while still employed. Legal guidance can help protect your position and prevent escalation.
Yes. Witness statements from colleagues or others who observed the bullying or harassment can strengthen your case in internal procedures or at an Employment Tribunal.
Before filing a tribunal claim, you must contact ACAS. They will attempt to mediate between you and your employer, aiming to resolve the dispute without going to a tribunal. ACAS issues a certificate allowing you to proceed if conciliation fails.
If internal procedures fail, you may still take your claim to an Employment Tribunal. Evidence of your grievance attempts and any employer inaction can support your case.
es. Even offensive jokes, comments, or conduct about a protected characteristic that creates a hostile environment can constitute harassment, even if not personally targeted.
Probationary or fixed-term employees may still have protection under the Equality Act 2010 for harassment, discrimination, or victimisation. Constructive dismissal claims can be more complex, but may still apply if the conduct breaches your contract or statutory rights.
No one should have to endure bullying or harassment at work or face the stress and anxiety caused by a hostile environment. Our specialist employment solicitors in Hampshire are here to provide guidance, support, and expertise.
We offer a proven track record in handling workplace bullying and harassment cases, with benefits including:
| Over 170 years of combined experience in employment law for employees |
| High success rate in representing employees in harassment, discrimination, and constructive dismissal claims |
| Clear pricing for transparency and peace of mind |
| Clients rate us ‘excellent’ on reviewsolicitors.co.uk, based on over 1,000+ reviews |
| Fully regulated and authorised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) |
With Warner Goodman LLP, you can rely on a team that is experienced, approachable, and committed to achieving the best outcome for every client.
If you are experiencing bullying or harassment at work, it’s important to get specialist legal advice as soon as possible. Our experienced solicitors can guide you through every step of the process, including grievance procedures, ACAS early conciliation, and Employment Tribunal claims, to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome for you.
We assist clients across Hampshire and beyond, with offices conveniently located in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler's Ford, and Waterlooville. You can choose to meet in person or arrange a remote appointment.
Call: 023 8063 9311
Email: employment@warnergoodman.co.uk
Alternatively, complete our online enquiry form to request a confidential callback.
To speak to one of our experts please call us
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