Pursue action against employer...or walk away?

WednesdayAdams

Been employed in a professional job for 14 years.


2 years ago, some changes occurred within our organisation and the structure of my team.


Than the bullying began. The purpose of my post isn't to discuss the bullying, was it really bullying, how to keep my job, how to prove it etc.


We have proof of the bullying, im too sick to go back to work.



The question is...should I pursue a claim against my employer for the bullying. I have a union rep working with me. The bullying falls into the category of (mental health) discrimination/harrasement under the equality act. We have alot of evidence.



Its just so hard. I have been so unwell mentally because of whats happened...i.e. suicidal, detained under mental health act, ive had to go bankrupt and now putting a claim in for universal credit. I'm still employed but on sick leave. I have no intention of ever returning to my job....that would literally be suicide.



The bullying happened, management were aware and ignored it. It had a very very severe affect on my mental health. I'm currently on sick leave.



Part of me wants to continue with the union and make them pay for what they did, and stop them doing it to other people.


Part of me wants to walk away. Every time I have dealings with my employer I feel so suicidal and end up in hospital after seriously self harming.


I think people need to stand up to corporate bullies, but my life, self esteem and health has been destroyed by them. I feel so weak. And I am at risk of suicide when I deal with them. Equally, I know we have a very very strong case.


Should I fight back or give up?

Les79

I would defer to the advice of your union rep on this one...


I am actually going through an employment tribunal issue and representing a family member who, whilst not comparable to you, is someone who wouldn't pursue it if I hadn't have taken it up for them. No union rep for them, but I'm using mine to help them.


I think people should challenge employers when they feel they have been treated unfairly, and to seek help from other people when needed.


Your case is super heavy, not least because I knew someone who was a really nice person but who comitted suicide over the weekend one time which was a huge shock to everyone. Wasn't even any discrimination linked to it, he just did it... Probably need to go to your GP with that one mate.

tacpot12

I think you need to carry on fighting this. Giving up is not going to provide any peace of mind.

By fighting it, you are taking control of the situation. People can only make you feel bad if you let them. Don't let them.

[Deleted User]

Can a leopard ever change it's spots.

I felt relived giving up a 'skilled' job after 5 months of misery to the point I wish I'd done it sooner and now appreciate when I had done this in the past I was actually saving myself, there really is no price to it - not interested in getting justice - I'm more concerned about my health and gaining new experiences which will show me right from wrong when it comes to the workplace. (had some positive experiences which is how I knew the current workplace wasn't right)

Easy for me to say though when I've possibly a woman's condition which is a disability that hasn't seen me take time off. But I couldn't imagine wanting anything else that stresses me out.

BrassicWoman

what do you hope the outcome will be, and why?

ohreally

Have you been through the grievance process yet.

RPWJ

See it through with the help of your Union. It might help your state of mind when you can see that others might not suffer the same torment you had to endure.

TELLIT01

Although it's never good to see an employer getting away with treating an employer badly, I would question the benefits to the OP of pressing on with the battle. The OP has detailed how much their health has been affected by what has happened, and taking on the company and the legal process will be potentially extremely stressful.

Dox

Looking at the first post you made on this site back in 2014, my impression (based on very limited evidence) is that you are quite vulnerable and quite prone to reacting strongly to circumstances which some others might find easier to take in their stride.

I think blaming your employer for everything, when you have a history of debt and feeling down, might possibly be one of those 'strong' reactions (but obviously I could be wrong).

Having read all your previous posts, I think you'd struggle if you have to relive all the misery you believe stems from the last couple of years of employment. You are not responsible for 'stopping them doing it to other people', so don't let that red herring get in the way of taking a decision based on your own best interests.

jonnygee2

Every time I have dealings with my employer I feel so suicidal and end up in hospital after seriously self harming.

What a truly terrible experience, I couldn't feel any worse for you, honestly.

Normally, I think, everyone who can challenge an abusive employer should do. That's what the system is there for, it can stop it from reoccurring etc.

But, in your case, pursuing this puts your health at severe risk. You absolutely must prioritise this over everything else and get better. It's fine to be selfish and put yourself first here. From this sentence, I believe that for you, getting over this and moving on is the priority for you.

A tribunal could be difficult. You could be made to feel worse at certain points, you will have to deal with your old employer for a long time, they will likely try more bullying tactics before the end, and of course despite the strength of your case a successful outcome is never guaranteed.

Focus on your own health at this point. You cannot sustain taking this to tribunal if every dealing with your employer makes you suicidal and puts your life at risk.

lincroft1710

BrassicWoman wrote: »

what do you hope the outcome will be, and why?

ohreally wrote: »

Have you been through the grievance process yet.

Dox wrote: »

Looking at the first post you made on this site back in 2014, my impression (based on very limited evidence) is that you are quite vulnerable and quite prone to reacting strongly to circumstances which some others might find easier to take in their stride.

I think blaming your employer for everything, when you have a history of debt and feeling down, might possibly be one of those 'strong' reactions (but obviously I could be wrong).

Having read all your previous posts, I think you'd struggle if you have to relive all the misery you believe stems from the last couple of years of employment. You are not responsible for 'stopping them doing it to other people', so don't let that red herring get in the way of taking a decision based on your own best interests.

jonnygee2 wrote: »

But, in your case, pursuing this puts your health at severe risk. You absolutely must prioritise this over everything else and get better. It's fine to be selfish and put yourself first here. From this sentence, I believe that for you, getting over this and moving on is the priority for you.

A tribunal could be difficult. You could be made to feel worse at certain points, you will have to deal with your old employer for a long time, they will likely try more bullying tactics before the end, and of course despite the strength of your case a successful outcome is never guaranteed.

Focus on your own health at this point. You cannot sustain taking this to tribunal if every dealing with your employer makes you suicidal and puts your life at risk.

You should read these posts very carefully. Your health is paramount.