What is bullying?

The  Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) Guide for employees defines bullying as:

“Offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour involving the misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate  or injure the recipient”.

Bullying can be physical, verbal or non-verbal and may include:

• Physical or psychological threats
• Inappropriate or derogatory remarks
• Spreading false rumours
• Unfair treatment 
• Exclusion and victimisation 

If you are experiencing bullying, contact your line manager or trade union in the first instance. If the person carrying out the behaviour is your line manager, contact the HR department or your trade union.