header-logo header-logo

Bullying at work: the need for reform

13 September 2024 / Thomas Beale
Issue: 8085 / Categories: Features , Employment , Harassment , Abuse , Tribunals
printer mail-detail
188880
Recent high-profile cases have shown the existing laws to address workplace bullying are inadequate, argues Thomas Beale
  • The BBC’s recent Strictly Come Dancing scandal exposes the broader issue of workplace bullying in the UK, highlighting serious gaps in handling misconduct.
  • Organisations must improve and enforce clear anti-bullying policies, ensuring a safe environment and encouraging victims to report misconduct.
  • Current UK laws are inadequate for addressing workplace bullying, underscoring the need for new legislation like the proposed Bullying and Respect at Work Bill.

Pictured: Amanda Abbington, who spoke out against Strictly Come Dancing.

Inappropriate workplace behaviour has attracted increased media attention over recent years, stemming from a surge in reported incidents of misconduct. This heightened scrutiny has exposed serious deficiencies in how organisations in the UK handle complaints of workplace bullying.

The BBC is the most recent organisation to face public backlash, following allegations of a toxic and unsafe work environment on the set of one of its most popular programmes, Strictly Come Dancing. Television star Amanda Abbington has spoken out against the corporation, alleging

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Muckle LLP—Stacey Brown

Corporate governance and company law specialist joins the team

Excello Law—Heather Horsewood & Darren Barwick

Excello Law—Heather Horsewood & Darren Barwick

North west team expands with senior private client and property hires

Ward Hadaway—Paul Wigham

Ward Hadaway—Paul Wigham

Firm boosts corporate team in Newcastle to support high-growth technology businesses

NEWS

NOTICE UNDER THE TRUSTEE ACT 1925

HERBERT SMITH STAFF PENSION SCHEME (THE “SCHEME”)

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND BENEFICIARIES UNDER SECTION 27 OF THE TRUSTEE ACT 1925
Law firm HFW is offering clients lawyers on call for dawn raids, sanctions issues and other regulatory emergencies
From gender-critical speech to notice periods and incapability dismissals, employment law continues to turn on fine distinctions. In his latest employment law brief for NLJ, Ian Smith of Norwich Law School reviews a cluster of recent decisions, led by Bailey v Stonewall, where the Court of Appeal clarified the limits of third-party liability under the Equality Act
Non-molestation orders are meant to be the frontline defence against domestic abuse, yet their enforcement often falls short. Writing in NLJ this week, Jeni Kavanagh, Jessica Mortimer and Oliver Kavanagh analyse why the criminalisation of breach has failed to deliver consistent protection
Assisted dying remains one of the most fraught fault lines in English law, where compassion and criminal liability sit uncomfortably close. Writing in NLJ this week, Julie Gowland and Barny Croft of Birketts examine how acts motivated by care—booking travel, completing paperwork, or offering emotional support—can still fall within the wide reach of the Suicide Act 1961
back-to-top-scroll