Fair Work has already received Bullying complaints under the new provisions of the Fair Work Act. It is very early stages but it appears that this will be a popular way of attempting to resolve workplace disputes by employees and a difficult type of claim to manage for employers, particularly when the complaints can be made against individuals.
Under the changes that came into effect 1 January 2014 employees can now seek orders that the bullying in a workplace cease. The commission has indicated it won’t be promoting monetary settlements of the claims.
Dealing with claims of this nature will still result in significant costs to employers dealing with the fallout. Employers should be more vigilant than ever to ensure that staff are trained, policies are in place and that management are proactive in dealing with poor behaviour early before it escalates.
If you are concerned that your business does not have adequate protection or you have a current concern regarding issues in the workplace, please contact our Workplace Law Team.
How Watkins Tapsell can help
If you are concerned that your business does not have adequate protection or you have a current concern regarding issues in the workplace, please contact our Workplace Law Team. .
