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NLJ this week: Weak laws & the profound impact of workplace bullying

13 September 2024
Issue: 8085 / Categories: Legal News , Employment , Harassment , Abuse , Tribunals
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The current law is inadequate for addressing workplace bullying, Thomas Beale, partner & head of the bullying & harassment team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, writes in this week’s NLJ

Beale takes as illustration the latest scandal at the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, which is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

While headline-grabbing, the BBC case is but one of many, and workplace bullying often does not come to light at all. Beale highlights the difficulties many victims face, writing how ‘for many, a fear of disbelief or lack of support from their employer can hinder their ability to come forward’.  

He looks at the current law, the obstacles therein, and potential moves to introduce more effective protection. Ultimately, employers have to do better.

Beale writes: ‘The psychological impact on individuals who have faced bullying in the workplace can be profound. In my experience, the most severely affected victims often suffer from long-term psychiatric injuries that have detrimental impacts on aspects of their daily lives, including their capacity to function in a similar workplace setting.’ 

Pictured: Amanda Abbington, who spoke out against Strictly Come Dancing.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Gilson Gray—Linda Pope

Gilson Gray—Linda Pope

Partner joins family law team inLondon

Jackson Lees Group—five promotions

Jackson Lees Group—five promotions

Private client division announces five new partners

Taylor Wessing—Max Millington

Taylor Wessing—Max Millington

Banking and finance team welcomes partner in London

NEWS
The landmark Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v FirstRand Bank Ltd—along with Rukhadze v Recovery Partners—redefine fiduciary duties in commercial fraud. Writing in NLJ this week, Mary Young of Kingsley Napley analyses the implications of the rulings
Barristers Ben Keith of 5 St Andrew’s Hill and Rhys Davies of Temple Garden Chambers use the arrest of Simon Leviev—the so-called Tinder Swindler—to explore the realities of Interpol red notices, in this week's NLJ
Mazur v Charles Russell Speechlys [2025] has upended assumptions about who may conduct litigation, warn Kevin Latham and Fraser Barnstaple of Kings Chambers in this week's NLJ. But is it as catastrophic as first feared?
Lord Sales has been appointed to become the Deputy President of the Supreme Court after Lord Hodge retires at the end of the year
Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are reportedly in the firing line in Chancellor Rachel Reeves upcoming Autumn budget
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