Protected-characteristic harassment, victimisation, and abuse of power

Across the UK, discriminatory abuse, hostile environments, retaliation, and misuse of power must be taken seriously. In Great Britain, unlawful harassment can relate to protected characteristics such as age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Northern Ireland uses a different legal framework, but the practical issues of harassment, victimisation, and appropriate organisational response remain relevant there too.

Legal framework across the UK

What this can look like in practice

• Racist jokes, mimicry, or mockery of accent or nationality
• Repeated comments about age, menopause, pregnancy, disability, or mental health
• Mocking religion, cultural practice, sexuality, or gender identity
• Punishing someone after they complain: isolating them, changing shifts unfairly, or labelling them difficult
• Using seniority to silence people: for example around probation, references, or immigration-related anxiety

Acas also notes that bullying can travel upward. Managers may be undermined by groups of staff, including organised refusal to cooperate. Abuse of power and humiliation are unacceptable in any direction.

When bullying relates to race, disability, sex, religion, sexuality, age, or other protected characteristics, the risk extends beyond poor culture. It may also be unlawful harassment or victimisation.