Cyber-Bullying in the workplace on the increase

Peninsula, the Manchester based employment law consultancy today issued a warning to businesses that they must do more to combat cyber-bullying in the workplace. This alert comes after Peninsula's legal advice line revealed that they have seen a 27% increase in calls from concerned employers over the last six months.

Paul Kent, Head of IT Policy at Peninsula said today; This is a growing problem, we seem to be taking more and more calls on this subject. It is very easy for employers to be unaware of the issue but the fact of the matter is that it is bullying, and if an employer ignores or is unaware of an incident then the employee concerned could eventually take action against the employer. Cyber-bullying is cowardly, and can be the most vicious type of bullying that I have come across. Cyber bullying can take many forms and use various messaging services such as email or instant messaging.

Many employers are unclear on how to tackle cyber-bullying because it is a sensitive subject. There are a few guidelines that a company should be aware of. Firstly have a proper IT usage policy in place, and ensure that every employee is aware of the policy and the fact that the company can, and will, police the company communication systems.

Employees should only be given access to instant messaging and mail systems that can be audited and checked. Employers should also ensure that they have a communicated grievance procedures in place to deal with any potential cyber bullying problems. Employees should be made aware that the IT systems and computers are company property and that any data or information on these systems is the property of the company and not the individual user.

Mr Kent continues; Failure to tackle such issues could potentially leave bosses foul of a number of pieces of legislation and they need to take action as soon as the problem arises. Employers will be open to litigation such as claims to the Employment Appeals Tribunal and Equality Tribunal if they fail to address the situation as soon as it arises. It should be made clear to all employees that internet and email activity is checked and monitored by management. All workers should be aware that if they have any bullying issues then they need to let their managers know so that the appropriate action can be taken.

Employer's are both under a duty both in criminal law and under employment legislation to ensure the health and welfare of workers. Employers should be assessing the risk and minimizing or removing it by instigating and enforcing an acceptable use IT and internet policy within their organization. It needs to be made clear to staff exactly what they are and arenít permitted to do. Employers should also set clear guidelines for harassment, bullying, and grievance procedures. It is so easy for employees to send an email while tempers are running high, ignoring the effect it might have on the recipient. Take cyber-bullying as seriously, if not more so, as normal harassment. It is very easy for a problem to persist silently whilst work colleagues and managers are unaware that it is taking place.