Bullying at work?

Question

started working at present job over a year ago now.From day one I was victimised by a colleague.I said hi to her,smiled and she would just look away and ignore me.After a couple of weeks I gave up trying to speak to her and would just get on with my job.One night I was helping a customer and she yelled at me to get on with my work,all this was in front of customer.(She regularly chats to customers,colleagues and her friends that come in but nothing is said to her!!!).This happened to another colleague so we were told to go and talk to duty manager.We did and was told it would be confidential...she found out and for me life has got worse,much worse.The other colleague she talks to as tough nothing has happened.
In the end I couldnt take anymore and spoke to personel manager, he was fantastic and moved me away from her. he said I shouldnt dread coming in to work.The duty managar I spoke to previously had made no notes in our files about the complaint of this so was reprimanded and moved to different dept.(This was the final straw in a long line of mistakes)
A year on I am slowly being moved back over to work with her and she is physically pushing me now,shoving me out of the way,throwing things which catch me on the arm etc.
The final straw came a few weeks ago when I hurt my arm and couldnt do my job and asked to leave so I could go casualty.I spoke to both managers and they both said no...take some painkillers and get on with it. In the end I had to walk out as I was crying with the pain and was threatened when I left that I had better bring a sick note for the two hours or else!!!.
I had to go back in work the next night and found out that both managers had said I was a liar and there was nothing wrong with my arm and this was said to other colleagues.The thing is I have damaged the tendons in my arm and have been back to hospitol twice this week because of it.
I am overlooked for training videos,overtime hours for xmas shifts and now am called a liar amongst fellow colleagues. I dont want to go back to personel as it seems like I go running every time something goes wrong.I am writing a journal of everything that happens and my husband and friends want me to leave and go see a solicitor.I cant afford to leave for one but am getting so depressed with this job I honestly dont know what to do....any advice greatly appreciated

Answer 1

You should not have to put up with this. If you are in a union go and see them. On the face of things in UK you have a claim. The job is not worth it find another while you are off sick and tell them to stick the job where the sun don't shine. They will of course lie at a tribunal but liers have to have very good memories

Answer 2

Oh dear! I have been there and have to tell you that the only thing for it is to set about finding another job. Somehow or other this woman has managed to line management up on her side and if you don't leave of your own accord they will find some way of getting rid of you. While your instinct and inclination is to stand firm and fight your ground, and in theory you should be able to take action against this appalling bully, it is probably more realistic to plan your escape route and get out to start the beginning of the rest of your life. If you stay put you will probably suffer in terms of physical and mental health and perhaps your friends and family see signs of this happening. It is always hard to concede defeat, but that is the sensible thing to do in this situation. Keep on with your journal, as it will help you to keep a record both from a psychological and practical point of view (in case things get worse and you find yourself facing disciplinary proceedings, especially as she has managed to get you reprimanded in the past), but make up your mind that next year will find you elsewhere and with pleasanter colleagues. Start your search now and good luck!

Answer 3

listen to your friend bully is always difficuilt to prove and identifiy who is at fault, also bully types are not so clearly defined. (its only a joke when everyone laughs come to mind, i.e banter is classed as bully - but its a laugh right?).

its great that you have documented everything, that really helps any solicitor will take up your claim.(a few weeks of with stress would back it up further and give you time to sort another job out, explain the problems your having at work to your doc)
But really get out, get another job.
also note that every employeer has to legally look out for you, and make sure you are well and happy, before you go to them. so really you have 2 case's.

Answer 4

wow, she sounds vicous, but if your supervisors are refusing to let you got to the local A+E you should consider reporting those peeps for breach of your basic human rights!
seek advice from a union (if you have one) or even better inform the police that amounts to assault and if it was caught on cctv or their are any other witnesses she will be arrested for actual bodily harm, even if not she will be arrested if you complain to the police, it would also be a good idea to seek advice from citizens advice as well.
sounds like your employers need a serious reprimand from a higher authority i.e an independent authority

Answer 5

It sounds dreadful and I know what you mean about keep going to report things, but if I were you Id do it one more time and if things dont improve then contact ACAS (sorry dont have number,but its in the phone books). They will speak to your manager or whoever on your behalf.They dont take sides they just arbitrate.
Good luck x

Answer 6

go to HR and file a harassment charge and make sure everything is documented....take note your self if you have to ..write down all that was said and who all was there...you can also sue the company and everyone involved ...so try talking to one of those layers you see adverting on TV.....maybe they can help you remedy this situation as well....if she physical touches you.... have her arrested for assault and you can use that in your harassment charge....don't let them know you took the pain pills while on the job...they can use that to fire you....don't let these people get away with what they are doing to you.....stand up for yourself....because if its not you then it just will be someone else...if it were me I would have them dealt with.....if you know what I mean.....but for you ...file charges and sue them....stay strong ...good luck..

Answer 7

this happens all too often, sadly. they're banking on you needing the job enough that you will just eat whatever they throw at you.

like other forms of abuse, it starts slowly and gets progressively worse. it will not stop, and it will not get better in a permanent way. you're going to have to make the break for the sake of yourself and your health.

best of luck to you. you have your family's support at least, that's really important.

Answer 8

if they weren't doing it to you they would be bullying another employee. I know this doesn't help, but you should keep your journal regularly and report it to personnel and higher up too if possible did't you say they were all ready called on the floor for it,so there must be some kind of record for it. other employees might be able to help get to her for you. Use intimidation. not ethical, but it might scare her off! my sister did that for me once and I was never bothered again! she started doing my work for me and was very pleasant!

Answer 9

i would find the deepest bravery inside me,and as much as it will make you physically shake in your shoes,i would confront this person in front of every one and ask her if she gets a kick out of bullying and that if she doesn't stop the police will be informed and you will see a solicitor and write a letter to head office never mind personnel,good luck stand up to them no matter how scary that is try let us know how things went.

Answer 10

Time to find a new job. Also, I really would go to personnell, just once more and let them know everything...maybe even show them the journal you have been keeping.