Bullied at work

[ilovemilton]

I recently reported my line manager for months of bullying behaviour towards me. I only did it because staff I line manage were reporting the same to me about her.

Her manager appeared to support me when I told her, saying she would do what she could to sort out the situation.

She returned a week later to say I was being moved to another ward, dropping down a pay band, and that I was never to mention it again. If I tried to take it any further, I would be investigated and disciplined.

So after months of being bullied, I now feel like I have been punished for trying to help others in the same situation. I have lost a job I loved and am not allowed to talk to people I have worked with for seven years.

Colleagues keep contacting me, but I have to keep saying that I'm not allowed to talk, which makes me feel rubbish. Currently signed off by GP for stress, dreading going back to all the gossip!

I don't really know what anyone could do, just feeling sorry for myself and want to scream, it's not fair!

Moved to another ward? If you work for the NHS there is a union that can help you with this.

She returned a week later to say I was being moved to another ward, dropping down a pay band, and that I was never to mention it again. If I tried to take it any further, I would be investigated and disciplined. Did you get this in writing, or can you, e.g. by emailing the manager saying "just wanted to confirm what you said to me at our meeting on XX July"?

Do not stand for this. Take it up to the next level of management if you have to.

This is massively unfair! Speak to your union (you can join and then use them straight away if you are not already a member).

No it's not fair. The NHS excels at this treatment, all the HR policies don't protect in real terms. You do have a right to reply, get your union involved, document everything. Above all repeat to yourself
"it's not me, it's them" over and over otherwise you will find your confidence and self esteem eroded.

How awful. There are bullies everywhere I'm afraid. And there's an unwritten code that if you use 'the system' to deal with them, you will get victimised.

Thanks all...no I didn't get in writing. I am in a union, but as brightspark says, there's no protection in real terms. All the managers are friends with each other and I'd be mad to take this on. Totally has already destroyed my self confidence...now need to find the confidence to start the new job!

Bullies get away with it because people either do not stand up to them or, as has happened to you, you spoke out and are now being punished for this.
But....................... they can only punish you if you let them.
You MUST go to your union rep (it would have been a good idea to involve them in the first place but you are where you are now) and involve them.
How the hell do they think they can "demote" you but, if you dare to speak about this - you will be investigated.
This is very cart before horse IMHO.
Any necessary investigation comes first then the findings are presented and the action (in this case, demotion) takes place.
All this should be put in writing.
If there were other colleagues who have experienced the bullies bullying, get them on board too - or get the union rep to involve them so there can be no clash of personalities rubbish spouted forth.
If this is an NHS establishment, they should have a policy regarding bullying - get a copy and read it in all its detail.
They should have a named person who you can contact if the bullying involves your line manager (and clearly her line manager now) and you should make contact with this person.
You have been treated very badly and this is not right.

The manager would have to complete a change form to drop a payband and put this though to payroll - which you would have to sign. Did they get you to sign it and if not they cannot do make you do it - if they try to get you to sign one , this is the point you have something to show the union.