Purpose and scope

The aim of this policy is to prevent harassment and bullying in the workplace which includes harassment and bullying by other workers or by third parties you encounter while doing your job. Harassment or bullying at work in any form is unacceptable behaviour and will not be permitted nor condoned. It will be viewed as a gross misconduct offence which may result in dismissal without notice.

Harassment and bullying detract from a productive working environment and can impact on the health, confidence, morale and performance of those affected by it, including anyone who witnesses or has knowledge of the unwanted or unacceptable behaviour.

Definition of Harassment

Harassment is any unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct based on gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, religious belief, age, race or disability which affects the dignity of anyone at work or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

A single incident of unwanted or offensive behaviour can amount to harassment. Some examples are given below, but many forms of behaviour can constitute harassment.

• Physical conduct, ranging from touching, pushing or grabbing to punching or serious assault
• Verbal or written harassment through jokes, offensive language, defamatory remarks, gossip, threats or letters
• Unwelcome sexual behaviour, including unwanted suggestions, propositions or advances
• The sending or displaying of material that is pornographic or obscene, including e-mails, text messages, video clips, photographs, posters, emblems or any other offensive material
• Isolation, non-co-operation at work or exclusion from social activities
• Coercion, including pressure for sexual favours
• Inappropriate personal contact, including intrusion by pestering or spying

It should be noted that it is the impact of the behaviour that is relevant and not solely the motive or intent behind it.

Definition of bullying

Bullying is persistent, offensive, abusive, intimidating or insulting behaviour, which, through the abuse of power, makes the recipient feel upset, threatened, humiliated or vulnerable. Bullying can take the form of physical, verbal and non-verbal conduct. As with harassment, there are many examples of bullying, which can include:

• Shouting at or humiliating others
• Abuse of power or oppressive levels of supervision
• Unjustified, offensive and/or insulting remarks about performance
• Excluding employees from meetings, events or communications without good cause
• Physical or emotional threats

Bullying can occur in the workplace and outside of the workplace at events connected to the workplace, such as social functions or business trips.

Your rights and responsibilities

You have the right to work in an environment which is free from any form of harassment or bullying. The Company recognises your right to complain about harassment or bullying should it occur. All complaints will be dealt with seriously, promptly and confidentially.

Every effort will be made to ensure that, when you make a complaint, you will be protected from further acts of bullying and harassment. If others also give evidence or information in connection with the complaint, they equally will be protected. Perpetrators of these acts may be subject to disciplinary action which may warrant dismissal.
You have a responsibility to help ensure a working environment in which the dignity of everyone is respected. You must comply with this policy and you should ensure that your behaviour to colleagues and anyone connected to the Company, does not cause offence and could not in any way be considered to be harassment or bullying.

You should discourage harassment and bullying by making it clear that you find such behaviour unacceptable. You should also support colleagues who suffer such treatment and are considering making a complaint. You must alert a manager or supervisor immediately to any incident of harassment or bullying to enable the Company to deal with the matter promptly and effectively.

Procedure

The Company will ensure that adequate resources are made available to promote respect and dignity in the workplace and to deal effectively with complaints of harassment and bullying. This policy and procedure will be communicated effectively to all employees, and the Company will ensure that all employees are aware of their responsibilities. Appropriate training, where necessary, will be provided.

In order to raise a complaint of harassment or bullying, please refer to the Company Grievance Procedure.

This has been approved by James Glackin, Managing Director