Setfords were instructed to pursue a common law bullying and harassment claim under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, due to our client suffering a psychiatric injury at work.
The client, who had happily worked for his employer for several years, began to face difficulties under a new Manager.
On the first day of the new Manager being in post, our client was called into his office. The Manager closed the door and spoke to him in a raised voice. As a result, our client was extremely worried that he would be dismissed, despite no issues with his performance having been raised previously.
Our client worked under this intolerable pressure for some weeks. He could no longer tolerate the pressure from his Manager and so brought up his concerns. The Manager responded aggressively, shouting and swearing.
Our client, who was understandably intimidated, tried to get out of the office. His Manager would stand in his way whenever he moved to do so. The Manager then started to push our client, shouting and swearing once more.
Thankfully, this event was witnessed by our client’s colleagues, who, concerned at the commotion, went to HR to report what had happened. As a result of the pressure our client had been in and the latest altercation, he reported in sick.
Setfords were instructed to pursue a common law bullying and harassment claim. Supportive medical evidence was obtained, which showed that our client had suffered an adjustment disorder due to the recent events at work.
Despite the incident being witnessed, the Defendant denied the allegations and counter-alleged that our client had wholly fabricated the events.
Whilst liability was denied, the Defendant did eventually come to the negotiating table. Our client duly accepted an offer of damages to the sum of £7,500.00 for this common law bullying and harassment claim.
David Miers
Consultant Solicitor
T: 01513 180 329 or call 0330 058 4012
ext. 2696
E: dmiers@setfords.co.uk