Member Article

Mind your language in the workplace or face the consequences

An employment lawyer is warning that directing abusive language at individuals in the workplace could cost employers thousands.
John Howe, partner at West Yorkshire-based John Howe & Co, is advising bosses to be wary of swearing at their employees and using aggressive behaviour for fear of being taken to an employment tribunal: A recent case at Weetabix highlighted this issue. Gary Mobbs, health and safety manager at Weetabix, said that he was subjected to “unprofessional and abusive” language which humiliated him to such an extent that he was signed off from work by his GP and eventually left the company. The tribunal ruled in favour of Mr Mobbs, and agreed he was constructively dismissed. He is due a decision on the amount of compensation he will be awarded. John said: “It’s very much about the context of the words used rather than the actual words. “You can swear in an aggressive manner as in this case or a jovial manner or in manner to emphasise a point in a constructive way.” John continued: “Employers will understand their environments and people well but even in a macho type environment it is unacceptable to harass or bully a colleague, whether through deeds or words. This most certainly can land you in an employment tribunal.”

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