Work refusing to ban man who has made threats of violence to me

[scaredandworriedbythis]

I work in a public facing role. Last year I had problems with a client, he made threats wishing to cause me harm, threats to kill me, and racist and misogynistic insults.
I took this to the police and he was cautioned. However, my work has refused to ban him and he still comes in there. I've managed to avoid him, but I am terrified of bumping into him. I dread going to work, and I'm on a constant state of high alert in case I see him.
My managers for some reason don't think he is a problem, but this is affecting my mental health, I cry at the smallest thing, and I'm on the verge of quitting a job I used to love because of this man and my work's refusal to deal with him.
Can I, seeing as there has already been police involvement, insist that this man is banned from any place of work that I may be in? It's Civil Service, so they seem to be totally ignoring safeguarding policy. It's making me ill, and I'm a shadow of the person I was last year. I'm not the only person this man has targeted, but I seem to have got it the worst.

I would take sick leave and request an occupational health assessment - they should be able to advise on the appropriate safeguarding processes.

Scottish isn't a race, he is being xenophobic not racist. Do you have it in writing that your work refuse to ban him? If not try to have the conversation again by email.

@ZeroFsKarma I don't have it in writing. Any questions regarding this from now on will be by email.

threats to kill me

Do they think this is banter too? Or are you meant to suck it up as 'he doesn't really mean it' until he actually does do harm to someone? Totally unacceptable. I agree OP with you taking sick leave and taking it higher

As far as the law is concerned, abusing someone on the basis of their nationality, perceived or otherwise, is absolutely considered a Racial Hate Incident.

Semantic arguments about 'Scots aren't a race' are irrelevant. If you reported this to the Police it would be logged as a racist incident, so it's ridiculous for your employer to argue it's not.

I’m not trying in any way to deny what he has done. I’m just wondering if there are complications because it is civil service? This isn’t like a restaurant where he can just go somewhere else or eat at home. If he has the right to access services and he is banned from the office, how does he access those services?

@PoseyFlump Exactly. And it doesn't feel very banter like when a 6ft 2 man is in your face with an expression of hatred on his face threatening you.

Dwp absolutely can ban people they can also get it so they are only seen in a protected room our jobcentre has a seperate entrance for them and they are separated from the staff by a secure screen the security guard will also be in attendance its ridiculous that they arnt protecting you

Have you completed the unacceptable behaviour form (UCB) each time the behaviour has been unacceptable?

@Flower1976 For a couple of them, yes. I was discouraged from reporting any further incidents.

Your issue is full on misogyny @scaredandworriedbythis .

The woman isnt believed, it was just banter and he is a nice chap anyway.
All the while the police had to intervene and he was cautioned for those same issues
I agree about having all correspondance by email. And contacting your Union.

Work is failing their duty of care and you shouldnt be in a position where a man can basically stalk you at work because they dont believe you....

See what your Union is saying.

Of course... then they can say nothing happened....

@Only4You It's very noticeable that he only ever harasses women.

Every incident should be reported. You should not be discouraged from reporting any incident that gives you concern. I am shocked that this is in place where you work. The UCB process is in place for a reason, to protect you and other colleagues from this behaviour. Please continue to report this, threats to kill and causing harm should not be treated lightly at all, just sorry you are having to deal with this.

Is there a service he needs that he wouldn’t be able to access if he were refused entry to the building?

I’ve only been to a job centre once, but there were two security guards at the entrance and other staff were behind locked doors and then bulletproof screens. What security does your building have?

I agree with Flower. All incidents of UCB should be reported. Please have that conversation with the union.

Obviously we don't know the full picture, and clearly you are extremely upset, but if this is the only instance of racism, I'm afraid I agree with your work. It's really not that upsetting or offensive.

There are security guards. Screens in some parts. I don't think he could physically attack me in the office, but he hangs around outside and has abused me then.

@scaredandworriedbythis . I suspect your managers are inexperienced as all incidents of UCB have to be logged to protect staff and other customers. I am sure he could be dealt with remotely if necessary. There will always be awkward customers but you have a right not to be harassed at work.

I managed to get a GP appointment and she has signed me off work for a month. Stated reason anxiety and depression/stress at work.

Can you get a restraining order?

That’s good @scaredandworriedbythis .

It will also give you more time to have a word with your Union and then review the situation with work before you go back.
I hope they will mange to get their fingers out and actually start protecting you.

Raise a grievance, get it all documented and get occupational health involved

Keep your own records of all incidents / comments. The union should be involved asap.

That's good to hear! When he made death threats etc was it in ear shot of other people? Can you prove it? Definitely write down every little thing you can remember and dates.