I'm being bullied at work, what are my legal options?

There is no specific law against "bullying" at work, but persistent or serious bullying may engage several legal protections depending on the circumstances.

If the bullying is related to a protected characteristic — such as your race, sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age — it is unlawful harassment under the Equality Act 2010 and you can bring a claim in the Employment Tribunal without any qualifying period.

If the bullying is so severe that it destroys the employment relationship, it may breach the implied term of trust and confidence, potentially allowing you to resign and claim constructive dismissal. For this, you need two years' continuous service unless a protected characteristic is involved.

If the bullying amounts to a course of conduct that causes you distress, you may have a civil claim under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, which can be brought in the civil courts and includes both injunctions and damages.

Serious bullying causing recognised psychiatric illness may also support a personal injury claim in negligence if the employer knew of the risk and failed to act.

Your immediate steps should be: (1) keep a detailed log of every incident — dates, witnesses, what was said or done; (2) raise a formal written grievance as soon as possible — this is important both for your own protection and for any future legal claim; (3) seek advice from your trade union or a solicitor.

Even if your grievance does not resolve the matter, raising it protects your legal position and shows you gave the employer an opportunity to act.