Issue with boss / HR / workplace bullying - help!

[MrsMcEnroe]

Hi,

I can't give much detail here for fear of outing myself. But I need to know how I can complain about being treated very unfairly, and being bullied at work. Our HR department consists of the Chief Exec's PA and another of the Directors (let's call him B). The people I wish to complain abou are the Chief Exec, his PA, another employee and Director B!!!

I can deal with the bullying - it is irritating, and it impedes my ability to do my job but I don't take it personally as I am not the only one it's happening to. I also know that these particular individuals have had complaints made about them before and - surprise surprise - nothing has been done.

I have spoken about the bullying to another director - my boss - who apologised but hasn't done anything about it (and I don't think he will either).

What can I do? Can I do anything, or is it time to look for another job?

[MrsMcEnroe]

bump

[fizzymilk]

Hi

The situation you describes sounds very familiar in fact sounds like my place. What you need to do is do you have any guidance from HR on raising a grievance. If not, you need to get hold of it and write one to the Head of all of those people you are complaining against or even one step higher then that.
Can't really guide you on how to write one as never actually raised one myself.

Other thing is ring ACAS-confidential helpline on work matters such as one you have described above.

[MrsMcEnroe]

Hi fizzymilk,

Thanks for responding. Sadly the grievance procedure states that I must complain to the HR manager - who is one of the people I wish to complain about! And the Chief Executive - i.e. the boss of everybody - is another!

I don't really have a leg to stand on, do I?!

I will ring ACAS, thank you.

[StillSquiffy]

Write an email stating that you wish to make a formal grievance. state clearly the facts of the grievance and ask then to respond. If the HR is the person you are complaining about, then so be it. There's no alternative to doing this. Then, if their response is insufficient you should write them (or engage a solicitor to write them) a letter warning them of their legal obligation to ensure employees are able to work in an atmosphere that is free from bullying and asking them for their response ahead of a formal application to tribunal. Then the third step is to raise a tribunal claim against them. You can do this without leaving the firm, and can fill in all the forms yourself.

Before you do anything, though, you need to be clear on what you want the outcome to be. In very small organisations it is pretty impossible to change the culture, so work out what you want the end game to be before you decide to make any complaints. Are you able to get another job if need be? How likely is it that the situation will change? Etc. A tribunal decision won't necessarily change anything and you may end up just trashing your chances of a decent reference...so be careful

[MrsMcEnroe]

Thanks StillSquiffy, you're right, that is exactly my dilemma - jobs are thin on the ground at the moment and I do need a decent reference. I also know that this has happened to other people before me, and they have complained, but nothing has been done. Rock and hard place huh!

I am tempted by the solicitor's letter though ...