Multiple reports of bullying

[Getmeoutofherepls]

If an employer receives numerous reports of bullying by an employee, and they still don’t do anything about it is there anything that can be done? Surely if they are on notice of someone’s behaviour they have a duty of care to protect employees from them?

Insufficient information to form an opinion.

There can be multiple unfounded reports of bullying - for example, some people may dislike their management style, but that doesn't mean they are bullies.

Technically there is a duty of care if people's wellbeing is being put at risk - in reality that is almost meaningless as a concept, as there is no formal legal recognition of bullying unless it is attached to another claim - for example, discrimination on a protected characteristic. You can't easily sue an employer for failing in their duty of care except in rather more clear cut circumstances such as negligence leading to injury.

In the end, assuming a genuine case of bullying, the employer values that person more than the complainants if they choose to take no action; so that tells you all you need to know. You need another job.

I have limited experience of this but I actually think it's worse when it's multiple people as it's easier to dismiss the employee as just being unpleasant/abrasive as opposed to targeting someone with bullying or harassment, but I guess it depends on the examples you have in mind?

I would say it depends on what form the reports take, are we talking quiet word in the break room, or formal grievance? If informal discussions are not getting management to take action then a formal route needs to be used. If that doesn't work, then I'd agree with Quveas, you would need to move jobs.

Thanks all, it’s hard to give any more details without outing.

But my manager has bullied me, driven others out and my company just don’t seem to care. I just don’t understand, how they can let them get away with it

Surely if they are on notice of someone’s behaviour they have a duty of care to protect employees from them?

they have a duty of care insofar as they investigate and determine the facts from both the perspective of the perpetrator and the person on the receiving end. Sometimes they find in favour of the latter, sometimes they aren't sufficiently convinced that it's serious enough and may partial uphold a grievance, or not uphold at all. Depends on the circumstances and facts provided. It very often takes them to be dragged kicking and screaming, because it's easier to sweep it under the carpet. In all cases the toll it takes on the victim is greater than on corporate. They stand alone and have to fight alone, then have to pick up the pieces of their career. When people on here glibly talk about going to tribunal, I ask "at what cost?" because it is far more traumatic than people ever know.

Better to find somewhere where bullying isn't an allowable modus operandi either in a different Dept, division or a different organisation.

This happened at a charity I worked for. After I and several other members of staff had left traumatised, someone went to the board of trustees and pointed out all the allegations that had been covered up. We all got phone calls and gave evidence, and the bullying boss was removed.

So it can happen. But it's not easy.

Yes very true, @daisychain01 it’s definitely a culture of just sweeping it under the carpet as they can’t be bothered. But of course they give the lip service about how important their people are etc.

my situation is that much harder as I have a contract stipulation which means I can’t leave immediately.