Bullying At Work

[pilates]

Does anyone have any knowledge of how to deal with bullying in the workplace.

The person is being bullied by their boss. It is a small private firm (so no HR or unions). The office manager is a close family member who is obviously biased and will not have anything bad said about them or take it seriously. Bully boss has done it to numerous members of staff who eventually end up leaving.

Said person is feeling ill and wants to leave.

Any employment specialists out there that can advise best course of action?

Lack of funds is a factor otherwise they would like to take it further with a legal firm.

How long have they worked there?

Is the bullying in any way discriminatory (age, sex, disability etc)?

Usually the first step is to raise a formal grievance. They’re legally required to have a grievance procedure, although it doesn’t mean that every employer complies…

8/9 years
No not discrimination. They spoke out and boss didn’t like what they said.
Its more subtle bullying; exclusion, ignoring, putting down.
There is no one independent that a grievance could be addressed to apart from boss and family member. It wouldn’t be addressed fairly.

Sadly they probably just need to leave.

The job market is pretty buoyant at the moment, depending what they do?

I don’t doubt that! But if it wasn’t addressed fairly, it would only serve to strengthen a constructive dismissal claim if he/she chose to bring one. If things became unbearable at that point, being signed off with stress could be an option.

Otherwise, it’s just a case of resigning and finding something else.

Yes, sadly, I think leaving is the only option. Bully boss has done this to many previous employees who have also left (about 20) but because they have money and contacts nobody takes it further.

Sadly, in this situation it is best to walk away. A legal fight is probably going to be costly and ineffective especially with out back up from other staff. I assume current staff will not give any statement or anything and likewise the past staff. It is utterly unfair but better to move on. Good luck to them as it is a miserable situation to be in.

I think for your sanity/wellbeing, it’s time to leave. I’m talking from experience.

I know (it’s not me btw). Just annoying they get away with treating people like shit.