BULLYING

Bullying is an Abuse of Power! It usually involves a person
in authority bullying those below him/her.
Bullying may include:

• Verbal written or visual intimidation;
  
• Physical intimidation, including assault;
  
• Being isolated, lack of support or excessive supervision;
  
• Unfair allocation of work or changing targets and/or deadlines;
  
• Refusing annual leave, training or interfering with promotion; and
  
• Sarcastic banter.

The Law on Bullying at Work:

• The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974;
  
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999;
  
• The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR);
  
• Safety Representatives and Safety Committee Regulations 1977; and
  
• Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996.

Thus any employer who fails to protect workers from bullying could be found negligent.
It is important that GMB representatives are able to confront any situation in support of members: they will therefore, need to be able to:

• Be sympathetic and Supportive;
  
• Guarantee confidentiality;
  
• Speak to management on behalf of the member (if necessary); and
  
• Gather evidence (date(s), time(s) and location(s) of incidents, nature of incident and name(s) of any witnesses).

GMB representatives need to be involved in developing a policy on bullying which includes taking complaints seriously and evaluating situations where there may be no witness present.

Produced by the GMB, London Region,
Thorne House, 152 Brent Street, Hendon. NW4 2DP
Tel: 020 8202 8272
Fax: 020 8202 2893