Dignity at Work – Anti-Bullying

On the 23rd January 2021, the new “Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work) Order 2020 was published.

The Code of Practice provides practical guidance on the management of workplace bullying complaints and on the prevention of workplace bullying, in line with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, Section 8(2)(b). It applies to all employments in Ireland irrespective of whether employees work at a fixed location, at home or are mobile.

It also provides guidance on identifying, managing and preventing a culture of bullying at work and highlights the procedure to be put in place by employers. The Code reinforces obligations for employers to progress complaints informally where possible, and otherwise, as appropriate, formally.