What can I do to tackle a bully?

Whatever steps you decide to take, you have the right to work in a safe environment. This includes not being harassed or bullied by anyone. You should not have to suffer in silence.

Confronting a bully yourself is not easy. It's probably only effective in its early stages. Often, the bully is a manager, so you need to get good, confidential advice on what to do.

These suggestions are drawn from the experience of people who have suffered from bullying, and from union and voluntary sector advice. We suggest you read through the sections below and think things over before deciding where to start.

Talk to someone - get advice

• Talk to someone you feel you can trust. This helps overcome the feeling of isolation and helplessness you may well be experiencing.
• Visit your GP. Make an appointment with your doctor if you are experiencing ill health symptoms of bullying. See also dealing with doctors.
• If you are a union member, talk to your union rep in confidence. Union reps should be able to advise you, know the right procedures, and help you deal with it, formally or informally.
• Contact a voluntary organisation or helpline. The Andrea Adams Trust or the Suzy Lamplugh Trust give free, confidential help and advice on bullying. 
• Some employers nominate 'harassment advisers'. These fellow workers support and provide confidential advice to victims of bullying.
• Use an employee helpline. Some employers and unions operate free, confidential advice lines.
• Keep a record or diary. Record the date/time/place of important incidents, abuse, accusations, changes to your job. Keep copies of relevant letters, memos and appraisals.

Be better informed - get a copy of:

• Your employer's anti-bullying or grievance procedure - it may be in the staff handbook.
• One of the anti-bullying handbooks we recommend in the TUC handbook, Keeping well at work, which also gives examples of how people coped with bullying.

Take action

• Try talking to the bully. But if you decide to do so, then first of all go over what you want to say with someone else who understands what you are going through.
• Have a clear idea of what you would expect to happen. Then, tell the bully how you find their behaviour unacceptable. Describe its affect on you. Make a note of this meeting, who said what and the outcome. If this informal approach doesn't work, there are other formal options to use later.
• Make a formal complaint. Be well prepared. Familiarise yourself with your employer's procedures. Get a copy of your job description if you believe your harassment includes changes to your main responsibilities.
• Use your right to be accompanied at any meeting. Take a companion of your choice (fellow worker or someone outside) with you in any grievance hearing. This includes meetings with management on bullying.