Bullying in the work place

[Unmumsymum94]

I don't know if this is the right place to be posting this but I am desperate for a bit of advice.
I work in a small rehabilitation hospital kitchen, and for months now one of my colleagues has been behaving awfully to our line manager. Calling him out for really unreasonable things, swearing at him and just behaving so awfully toward him in front of me and other staff.
Yesterday my line manager took me to one side and told me that he would be handing in his notice and he won't be there when I return from maternity leave. I feel so awful for him as I know it's because of the way my colleague has been behaving toward him. I told him that if he wants to speak out against him, I would have his back as would other staff members. Now the issue I have is that my abusive colleague is quite pally with most of the admin and HR staff and I'm afraid to speak out in case it comes back and bites me in the bum, he's also an old family friend but I just feel like I can't let him get away with this behaviour. I'm also going on maternity leave in the next 2 weeks. I know that if my line manager leaves, my colleague would be in the running to get our line managers job and I do not want to return to work to find this absolute w**ker as my new manager.
Sorry for the long post, And thanks in advance for any advice :)

You need to contact acas as soon as possible. They are so good for employee advice, have a look on their website! I think they can file a legal complaint against a company or people in companies too. They’re very helpful

I think they can file a legal complaint against a company or people in companies too. They’re very helpful

If "they" refers to ACAS, no they wouldn't get involved. If "they" refers to the line manager, there is no legal case against the employer, unless it's tied to harrassment, linked to a protected characteristic such as race, sex, disability etc. Bullying per se is not against the law.

OP, in honesty you'd be opening a world of problems for yourself getting directly involved in this matter. It sounds like your line manager has made the decision to part company and get a new job. That's a good decision, your employer doesn't sound very professional. You're going on mat leave in 2 weeks, getting tied in with this issue isn't in your best interests, nor your family's. The abusive colleague could easily turn on you next, so watch your back and keep your head below the parapet.

If you are approached as part of an investigation (not instigated by you) you could give some facts about the situation provided the organisation gives you commitment in writing beforehand, that any retaliation against you would be taken seriously direct to the perpetrator.