Most organisations have a section on Victimisation in their disciplinary policy stating that it is gross misconduct, but then don’t recognise Victimisation when it happens. This can be a tricky and costly error.
Similarly, Claimants often are not aware they have been Victimised until their solicitor gives them the happy news that they can increase their claim by turbocharging their allegations against their former employer to include Victimisation in addition to their original claim of harassment or discrimination.
There are specific circumstances when Victimisation occurs, e.g. if an individual can show they were treated less favourably because they raised a harassment or discrimination complaint.
Don’t get me wrong, it is good practice for organisations to treat Victimisation as gross misconduct in their disciplinary policy so companies should continue to do this. However, if they do, employers need to make sure they follow that policy. Not doing so could land them in hot water and very much on the back foot at tribunal if they don’t, where there is evidence that an employee has been Victimised.
An explanation of Victimisation is included in 186hr’s ‘banter and behaviour in the workplace’ 40 minute e-learning course, along with other valuable information that enables employers to ensure a healthy work culture where employees can continue to have a laugh at work but do not make their colleagues feel harassed, discriminated against, Victimised or bullied.
The course, which was developed in partnership with the brilliant e-aspire, a specialist producer of online learning, costs £49.95 and discounts are available for bulk purchases e.g. if you wish to train the whole team or your management team – which is highly recommended.
Banter & Behaviour in the Workplace
This new e-learning course describes the various forms of harassment and discrimination in an easy-to-understand format so organisations can appreciate where the bar is at work between acceptable behaviour and that which is likely to lead to a grievance or successful Tribunal claim.
If you have any queries about the course, Victimisation, harassment or discrimination in general please don’t hesitate to contact us.