Bullying at work ?

Question

HELPP!!!!!!!!!!!
We work in a retail store that does not have a union. We have a manager who is making lives unbearable with their constant bullying. We have complained to senior management without avail. Things now are getting worse that their spouse is now verbally abusing one of our colleagues partners in the town at night when they have been drinking . Things are now beginning to get out of hand, does anyone know of any LEGAL BODY who we can contact to help us resolve this issue.
UK ANSWERS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.

Answer 1

There is quite a lot you can do.

Firstly, you CAN join a union, Usdaw would be best for you, as you say you work in retail.

Secondly, you need to do the following:

Keep a diary of any incidents
Get others to do the same
Once you have at least 5 separate incidents, go to am Employment Law Solicitor that does Community Legal Funding (formally Legal Aid)

To a lot of people, bullying in the workplace is just a myth, but the sad fact is, is that it happens to a staggering 3 in 10 employees. (UK Government Stats, 2004)

If this was happening in a school, Ofstead would have closed the school and sacked the Head Teacher...

ACAS is another service that can offer confidential advice. Check out this link, this offers some good advice.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Employees/DiscriminationAtWork/DG_10026670

I hope things improve and wish you and you fellow workers all the best...

Answer 2

Go to the ACAS web site there is a help line telephone number and they are very helpful and will give advice. Do you have a HR department, Check the grievance policy. Register any complaint to the police so you have a record of the incident......Just because your company does not recognise a union there is no reason why you can not join one and use their representation get advice from ACAS or even go on the site and learn your rights within the law. Remember a company has the duty of care to each employee under the H&S at work act what you describe is bullyig and harrasement in the work place....By making the seniors aware they are responsible for condoning this type of behaviour or is that why it has got worse due to them having raised the issue...Always document any issues in a diary for date, time and an overview of the incident for future reference.........

Answer 3

Petition the Senior Management that if your voice is not heard you will withdraw your labour, it doesn't have to be a long walkout and get advice from the Citizens advice bureau before doing so? Also tell the police about the abuse at night because this is a matter for them to deal with. No one should put up with bullying at school or at work, You should write a letter with all signatures to the Management on what the problems are before any other action. I would definitely seek legal advice, a solicitor if all else fails, it might cost you but if you club together it would be worth it to get this matter sorted.

Answer 4

The only official recourse I know of is if one or more of you leave your employment under these circumstances you could then take the firm to court and claim Unfair dismissal in that you have suffered 'Constructive Dismissal' by virtue of the fact that because of the Bullying and Harassment your lives were made that unbearable that you had to leave work.
You should be able to do this by contacting one of the more reputable firms who represent people on a 'No win No fee' basis
One thing you have to do is gather as much evidence as you can and retain any letters or communication you have with the firm to prove you asked for the senior management for assistance.

Answer 5

Telephone ACAS first thing . They are the arbitration body for work disputes. As for being yelled at when out on the town that is actually harrassment and you could go to the police about it. I suggest you put your complaints in writing to your personnel department with copies going to at least 3 senior managers referrring to previous complaints both verbal and written. If nothing is done within a week follow the letter up. If that does not work then put in a months resignation making it clear that you have no choice given that nothing has been done but to leave and sue them for constuctive dismissal.

Answer 6

I have worked retail management for several years now. I truly can understand. I have found the best way is to with every incident, document every time there is an issue. Make sure you have as many witnesses to any problems. When you have several. Go straight to this person and let them know what you have done (again with another witness) tell them you have documented all of this and that you are not going to take it anymore. Then go to their superior with the documentation and let them know they are going to lose a good employee in you, and possibly others. If that does not work, a letter to corporate office with documentation does work sometimes. IF not Retail is retail move on. Good luck!

Answer 7

Hi there Lowtherdick, This manager is an as*hole and needs to be stopped from abusing his position in order to bully you. Bullying at work is simply not allowed. You should write a day to day diary of what this manager says and does. Here is a very good organisation who give free advice, and are devoted to resolving employment disputes. They are very knowledgeable on the legal aspects of employment issues.

http://www.acas.org.uk/

Telephone helpline 08457 474747

Get this manager sorted out once and for all! I wish you all the best! Let me know how you get on. :o)

Answer 8

Bullying is harrassment and illegal. One of your colleagues could go to the Citizens Advice Bureau and start the ball rolling. Alternatively, contact a union that suits your trade - TGWU covers most, Shop Unions exist, try Yellow Pages. Dont be **** on by employers, there are laws to protect you. Document everything and ensure that there are sufficient witness statements to back your case. Dont, dont retaliate or play to them - work within the law to win.

Answer 9

Several things you could do, but most importantly get evidence. Sounds like this person is not only rude but educationally subnormal. Do you have a camcorder?, get a collegue to secretly record this bullying, make sure that when he/she starts again (and it's being recorded) that you raise an eyebrow or silently smirk at him/her, just to really get him/her going for the camera. Then you simply take that to a lawyer and go from there. After you've successfully sued, simply upload the video to youtube or metacafe and then we can all have a bloody good laugh at this bullying moron.
Don't get mad, get even.

Answer 10

Go to the organ grinder and not the monkeys.Find out the address of the Chairman of the Board and get a solicitor to draught you a formal letter of complaint(all club together to cover costs,that way letter will be worded correctly)and send it to him.I have found from past experiences it nearly always gets you more attention if you go to the top man.Just like buying something really,if you cut out the middle man you get better results.