Workplace bullying, discrimination, or harassment

Bullying, discrimination & harassment

Are you dealing with unfair treatment at work? Whether it’s bullying, harassment, or discrimination, no one should have to endure such behaviour in their workplace. Our employment law experts understand how overwhelming and distressing it can feel, and we're here to help you take back control.

Are you being bullied in the workplace?

Bullying at work is any unwanted behaviour that makes you feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or intimidated. It doesn’t matter if it’s a one-off incident or something that’s been going on for months—bullying is unacceptable.

Workplace bullying can be devastating, leaving you feeling trapped and powerless and it can happen in various ways including:

  • face-to-face
  • in emails
  • through messages
  • or over the phone

But you don’t have to endure this. If you’re experiencing bullying at work, the first step is to raise the issue with your manager or HR department. Many workplaces have policies in place to handle bullying, and often, internal discussions can resolve the issue.

However, if things don’t improve—or if your concerns are brushed aside—you may need to take formal action. This can involve submitting a formal grievance or, in more severe cases, exploring legal options.

Are you going through discrimination at work?

The Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination in the workplace from day one. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, starting your induction, or years into your role, your employer has a legal responsibility to ensure that you are treated fairly.

Discrimination happens when you’re treated unfavourably because of a protected characteristic, such as:

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Race or ethnicity
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Religion or belief
  • Marriage and civil partnership

It’s the duty of your employer to prevent discrimination and to act swiftly if it occurs. If they fail to protect you, they could be held accountable, and you have the right to seek justice.

If you’re facing discrimination, you might start by raising an internal grievance. But if your employer doesn’t address the issue, or if you feel that the situation hasn’t been resolved, you may have grounds to bring a claim before an Employment Tribunal.

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we understand how stressful it can be to confront workplace discrimination. That’s why we offer compassionate, expert guidance to ensure you’re fully informed about your rights and the steps you can take. Our team will stand by you to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Are you facing harassment in the workplace?

Harassment is a form of discrimination that occurs when you’re subjected to unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic—such as your race, gender, age, or disability—that creates an intimidating, hostile, or degrading environment at work. This kind of behaviour violates your dignity and has no place in a professional setting.

Under the Equality Act 2010, you’re protected from harassment at work that relates to any of the protected characteristics. Additionally, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 offers further legal protection, even if the harassment isn’t directly linked to one of those characteristics.

Harassment doesn’t just affect your work performance; it impacts your mental well-being and sense of security in the workplace. Employers have a legal duty to ensure that their workplace is free from harassment by implementing and enforcing clear policies to prevent and address such behaviour. If your employer fails to take reasonable steps to protect you, they could be held responsible.

In severe cases, where harassment has made your working conditions unbearable, you might have grounds for a constructive unfair dismissal claim. This occurs when you’re forced to resign because your employer has failed to handle the situation appropriately.

However, constructive unfair dismissal claims are serious. It’s not simply about leaving a job because you’re unhappy; it’s about proving that your employer’s breach of duty left you with no other choice but to resign. Examples include:

  • Severe harassment that your employer has refused to tackle
  • Bullying from colleagues or management, or ongoing discrimination that’s made your position untenable.

Remember, once you resign, there’s no turning back.

Words from our clients

Aneil Balgobin assisted me with a time sensitive workplace contract. Aneil was highly knowledgeable and completely professional, which was a great reassurance in a complicated situation. They were able to turn around the piece of work in just 2 days, without a single hiccup or delay. Dealing with Anthony Gold Solicitors as a firm was a breeze, and I will be recommending the firm to my peers.

Our Client

I received legal advice from Aneil regarding an employment incident relating to unfair processes in the workplace. Aneil responded with empathy and professionalism, he took the time to not only carefully understand my situation but also me, as a person, not just a case. I cannot recommend him enough, there is an immediate sense of competence and professionalism but also a considerate approach. You can trust this firm.

Netanya Smith

Aneil helped me through a difficult employment process and was wonderful throughout. Knowledgeable, supportive, pragmatic and determined.

Our Client

Joy Drummond was an outstanding solicitor. This was my first time of going through an employment settlement agreement on the back of a redundancy. Joy ensured she explained every step to me and there were absolutely no surprises. Every question I asked was listened to and answers were explained to me in a calm and respectful manner. I am extremely pleased and extremely thankful.

Our Client

Contact us

That’s why it’s crucial to seek legal advice before taking any steps. At Anthony Gold Solicitors, we can help you determine whether a constructive unfair dismissal claim is the right course of action, and we’ll work with you to build a strong case.

Our skilled employment law team is just a phone call or email away, ready to offer guidance, support, and representation tailored to your unique circumstances. You can rest assured that you are not alone in your pursuit of justice.

Contact us today by calling at 020 7940 4060 or emailing us at mail@anthonygold.co.uk to discuss your case and allow us to be your voice in the fight against workplace bullying, harassment, and discrimination. Your dignity, your rights, your fight – we’re here for you.

Speak to a member of the Employment team >/h2>

Workplace bullying, discrimination, & harassment claims: FAQs

What are examples of workplace bullying and harassment?

Bullying and harassment at work can show up in various ways. Some typical examples include:

  • Unwanted sexual behaviour or advances
  • Intentionally excluding someone from work-related activities or opportunities
  • Blocking someone’s career progression or promotion
  • Abusing power or authority to intimidate or belittle
  • Spreading malicious rumours, particularly those targeting age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion

When does “banter” become workplace bullying or harassment?

“Banter” crosses the line into bullying or harassment when it becomes offensive, intimidating, or causes distress to the person on the receiving end. What might seem like harmless jokes to some can actually create a hostile work environment for others, especially if it targets personal characteristics like age, race, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.

What is the process of making a workplace harassment claim?

First, raise your concerns with your employer to give them a chance to resolve the issue. If that doesn’t work, you can file a formal grievance. If the problem persists, you may need to take the claim to the Employment Tribunal.

Before you do, you must go through ACAS early conciliation, a process aimed at settling disputes without a Tribunal. This typically lasts up to a month but can be extended by two weeks if both parties agree. Once complete, you’ll receive an ACAS certificate, allowing you to submit your claim.

After submitting, your employer has 30 days to respond, and the Tribunal will schedule a hearing, usually within six to nine months. During this time, we’ll help you prepare your case.

Remember, you have three months minus one day from the last incident of harassment to start the ACAS process, so contact us as soon as possible to avoid missing deadlines.

Why should I let Anthony Gold Solicitors handle my workplace harassment or bullying case?

At Anthony Gold Solicitors, the Employment Law team has over 70 years of experience in dealing with complex workplace harassment and bullying cases. Our team of expert negotiators and litigators are accredited by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and are recognised in leading legal directories such as the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. We have a deep understanding of employment law and a proven track record of success.

Can you discuss my workplace harassment or bullying case outside of normal working hours?

Yes, we understand that it can be difficult to discuss sensitive issues like bullying and harassment during regular working hours. Our solicitors are flexible and can arrange to speak with you at a time that fits your schedule, including evenings. We’re committed to ensuring that you feel supported and comfortable when discussing your case. Simply let us know your availability, and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.