Harassment at Work Solicitors in Cheltenham
Legal Advice on Harassment and Unwanted Conduct in the Workplace
Specialist Legal Advice on Harassment at Work
Harassment at work occurs where an employee is subjected to unwanted conduct that violates their dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Harassment can have a serious impact on an individual’s wellbeing, confidence, and ability to work.
We provide clear legal advice on harassment at work to employees in Cheltenham and across England and Wales. Our role is to explain your legal rights, assess whether the behaviour you have experienced meets the legal definition of harassment, and advise on the options available to address it.
We also advise clients nationwide and can provide support remotely where appropriate.
What Is Harassment at Work?
Harassment at work is unwanted behaviour related to a protected characteristic that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Protected characteristics include sex, race, age, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, and gender reassignment. Harassment can take many forms, including comments, jokes, emails, messages, physical behaviour, or exclusion. It does not need to be intentional to be unlawful, and a single serious incident may be enough.
Employer Responsibility and Internal Procedures
Employers have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment and to deal with complaints properly when they arise. This usually involves having appropriate policies in place and responding promptly and fairly to concerns.
We advise on how harassment complaints should be handled internally and whether an employer’s response meets legal standards. A failure to address harassment appropriately can strengthen a legal claim.
Employment Tribunal Claims and Time Limits
Harassment claims are usually brought in the Employment Tribunal. Strict time limits apply, and claims must normally be started within a short period of the most recent incident.
We advise on applicable deadlines, early conciliation requirements, and whether a tribunal claim is appropriate based on your circumstances.
Request a Callback
Your enquiry will be forwarded to the appropriate legal team, who will contact you as soon as possible.
Harassment FAQs
What is the difference between harassment and bullying?
Bullying is unwanted behaviour that is offensive or intimidating but is not necessarily linked to a protected characteristic. Harassment is specifically related to a protected characteristic and is unlawful under equality legislation. Both can be serious, but harassment carries specific legal protections.
Does harassment have to be repeated?
No. While harassment often involves repeated behaviour, a single serious incident can be enough if it has a significant impact on dignity or creates a hostile working environment. Each case depends on its facts.
What if the behaviour was meant as a joke?
Intent is not decisive. Even if behaviour was meant as a joke, it may still amount to harassment if it had the effect of causing offence or creating an intimidating or degrading environment.
Do I have to raise a grievance before taking legal action?
In most cases, it is advisable to raise the issue internally first, unless there is a good reason not to. Following internal procedures can be important when assessing later legal claims. Advice helps determine the best approach.
Can harassment come from someone who is not my manager?
Yes. Harassment can be carried out by colleagues at any level, as well as by clients or customers. Employers may still be responsible if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.
What evidence should I keep?
Evidence can include emails, messages, notes of incidents, witness details, and records of how the behaviour affected you. Keeping clear records can be important if the matter is investigated or escalated.
Advice in Cheltenham and Across England and Wales
We advise employees on harassment at work matters in Cheltenham, across Gloucestershire, and throughout England and Wales. Advice can be provided in person at our Cheltenham office or remotely by telephone or video call where appropriate.
Speak to a Solicitor
If you believe you have been subjected to harassment at work and need legal advice, speaking to a solicitor early can help protect your position. To discuss your situation, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
How to Find Us
Pembridge Solicitors
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA
If you have any questions before visiting or would prefer remote advice, please contact us by phone.