In the case of Majrowski the House of Lords confirmed that an employee can claim damages for distress, anxiety and consequential losses caused by harassment/bullying during their employment. This head of liability under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 for employees has considerable implications for the workplace and the employer.

Workplace bullying has a harmful effect not only on the individuals concerned, but also on the business itself. The potential effect of increased absenteeism and ill health, and loss of valuable and sometimes key employees can be a significant cost to a business. As if that is not enough of a problem, also consider the possible loss of management time, potential for an unlimited Employment Tribunal award, potential claim under PHA and the consequent effect of all of these on the morale and image of the business.

Topics include:

• Bullying and Harassment
  • Its meaning
  • Its prevention
  • Dealing with it
• Devising and implementing dignity at work policies
• The statutory grievance procedure
• Steps to encourage a positive approach to dignity and diversity at work

The aim of this course is to help identify potential bullying problems and to provide a clear strategy for avoiding conflict and for improving workplace relations.