Discrimination, Equal Opportunities, Bullying & Harassment

Employers should ensure they have a well-drafted Equal Opportunity and Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy and that training is given to managers and employees on the same.

Bullying and harassment in the workplace is a serious matter. In a lot of cases, an Equal Opportunity and Anti-Bullying and Harassment Policy will assist employers when handling bullying and harassment in the workplace. While bullying cannot, in its self, be advanced as a stand-alone claim at the Employment Tribunal, harassment can amount a form of discriminatory behaviour and it is important to point out to your employees of all levels that it will not be condoned. Harassment may also form a civil claim and, where this is the case, we can work closely with our dispute resolution team to assist you.

Employment Tribunal

If an employer is taken to the Employment Tribunal on the grounds of discrimination, they will find it very difficult to defend the claim unless they can show to the Tribunal that they have the relevant policies and procedures in place and that training has been provided to ensure that employees are aware of policies and procedures.

If employers do not have sufficient resources, the Employment Team at Rix & Kay can assist by providing in-house training on equal opportunities, anti-bullying and harassment, preventing discrimination and other related matters.