Are there any lovely wise m.netters out there who might be able to offer some quite urgent advice? I am extremely concerned about one of my lovely colleagues. Will try to keep it brief. Small company. Boss away in usa on very special once in a life-time, one off family get together. Boss left an "equal" to me and all 5 other colleagues, as "someone to go to" but not "in charge". That someone, has taken the opportunity to, (in my view) seriously bully one of the others who, she has a history of disliking. She immediately altered that other girls working times, cutting her hours greatly, causing her serious financial difficulties. (This was without any sound reason whatsoever). She (the assumed herself boss) has not done any worthwhile work herself in the bosses absence, and has delegated all her own work to the rest of us. She has done little except strut around with her perceived bosses cap on, visibly making notes, (about us all) and has done it very deliberately about this colleague, in sight, as if to undermine her. I think this is Insidious Bullying. Colleague on the verge of a break-down, constantly in tears and now having panic attacks, terribly upset, and coming to me for support. I give as good as I possibly can, but am on the verge of advising colleague to get professional advice from acas, or such like? Cannot and will not bother poor boss, who thought he had left us "so-called" loyal group in a positive and safe environment. "Presumed boss has also criticised me, and made notes about me, but I don't give a half of a jot... When boss is back, I will tell him absolutely everything that has been going on in his absence, but how can I help poor colleague (she is, actually, a very good worker and a lovely person!!) not that that should make any difference. I have even thought of advising her to go to her doc. and get signed off with work-related stress illness, because that is absolutely what it is. A couple of days ago, I took her home, as she was shaking, crying and in a really upset state. It is effecting me a bit, because I am distracted, very worried about my colleague, very angry, and very keen for boss to be left in peace. (wonderful, kind and caring boss by the way). Any advice, please, before tomorrow? Thanks in advance. x worried me!