i have been accused of bullying and have been cleared of this what action can i take regarding the accuser?

Answer 1

Im wondering why some people are accusing the asker of being a bully after all. Seems to me if the asker was a bully he would NOT be asking what ACTION he can take. Seems reasonable enough to me. Nothing worse than been wrongly accused and now the asker has been cleared of any wrong doing why shouldnt the accuser be taken to task??

Answer 2

Before a month ago, I would really have probably backed the argument that 'only a bully would try and take the accuser to task here'. The presumption is probably that these cases are simply escalated disagreements, or that the accuser had simply overreacted to some minor/petty/unmeant misdemeanour. However, a family member has found himself in just this position recently - simultaneously accused by individuals within a small group of 3-4 colleagues of slander, both through a formal process and with an office rumour being spread that he has caused someone to resign by his words. Without challenging such fabricated acts officially, the unfortunate reality is that practically noone would believe there could be smoke but no fire; the process prevents the accused speaking to anyone about their side other than in the disciplinary forums presented. However, "the story" has long since been leaked by the accusers to an office full of co-workers. For most people, to be painted as a serious, serial bully in this way is actually traumatic - disbelief is followed by self recrimination and then endless worry and anger - even when 100% sure of being innocent, wrongdoings are imagined and the victim bends his mind to give credibility to the accusers. But this is entirely what this sort of bullying endeavors to do - which is why it is bullying. While some powerful written evidence has luckily come to light in this case that counters the slander claim, the accusers don’t know this, and their intent remains to pursue the case and thereby cause great personal distress. I hope those who have proposed to 'turn the cheek' also understand that it is sometimes necessary to raise a grievance to demand protection from such hostility in future. In also transpires this is about the third similar case that involves this group. And since those previously have "turned the other cheek", one is also left with a broader responsibility to challenge this type of act.

Answer 3

If it persists, then you have grounds for a grievance claim under the guidelines laid down by ACAS.

These guidelines dictate that the first course of action should be for an organisation to councel the harassor and make them aware of the impact their actions are having.

If that fails, a mediated meeting between senior management and the two parties is held to resolve the problem. Should this fail, a second meeting is held where higher management attend.

Ultimately, if these accusations are making your working life unbareable, and your organisation have refused to do anything about it, or no appropriate settlement is reached after the ACAS procedure, you are entitled to quit and take your employer to an industrial tribuneral for constructive dismissal due to their actions.

I doubt you are able to take legal action, given that de facto responsibility lies with the company and not with the employee who made the accusation, as it will be argued that your actions may have been interpreted a different way to that which you intend.

Your first port of call should be a HR manager.

Answer 4

Honestly a lot of the folk here are right - if you take any action against the accuser yourself, you will be a bully and next time you won't be cleared.

However if on the balance of things you feel that the accusation was made just to bully you and not because the individual felt intimidated by you then you should file a grievance with your manager (in writing) and let them respond.

But to be honest, I'd just let it drop and see if you can build bridges with your accuser - life's too short.

Answer 5

The best action is to avoid the accuser and avoid being alone with the accuser. Really they can't accuse you of anything unless they had/have a witness to the action being done and since you were cleared of it I would avoid the person and the situation.

Answer 6

Please don't consider any kind of retaliation. I would work cordially and professionally with the accuser and not even think of taking any further action, lest you be accused of bullying once again.

In fact, the best course, even though you have been cleared is to sit down, perhaps with your supervisor or HR present and apologize for any misperceptions that led to the accusation and ask for a fresh start with the person.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, you can't take any action - for if you did, it would only prove that you are indeed a bully. Consider yourself fortunate that you were cleared of this action and forget about that lame loser that accused you in the first place. Remember, what comes around, goes around...or something like that.

Answer 8

Best to ignore the accuser. If you take any action that would only prove that you really are a bully.

Answer 9

If you can honestly say hand on heart that you are not a bully, then then you can take a formal grievance against your accuser for harrassment and slander. What happened to you was malicious accusal and you have the right to redress.
Good Luck

Answer 10

Ignore the accuser. IF the accuse keeps accusing you, file harassment charges.