Scotland: Law Society looks for contributions to study on workplace bullying and harassment

By Christopher Mackie, Scotsman.com

The Law Society of Scotland has renewed calls for solicitors with experience of bullying or harassment in the workplace to get in touch and contribute to a study of the problem.
Last week, the Society announced it had appointed a research firm to investigate the issue in the legal sector in Scotland, and launched an appeal for people across the profession to contribute – anonymously if preferable – and help them gauge how widespread the problem is.

A week on, the Society’s director of representation and support, Neil Stevenson, appealed again for lawyers to get in touch: “We would like to hear from solicitors and others who work in law firms about first-hand experience of bullying or harassment, or equally valid is the experience of people who have witnessed bullying, or supported victims of bullying,” he said.

“This will allow the researchers to build up a good picture of bullying and harassment in the legal sector and then allow the Society to produce best practice guidance and a support strategy for people affected by bullying.”

The research, which is being carried out by Equality Works, is also seeking examples of good practice as well as suggestions on improving the workplace.

Researchers want to hear from lawyers of all ages and levels who have experienced or witnessed bullying or harassment or those who have been accused of the behaviour.

Neil Stevenson added: “This is an important piece of research for the Society. While we have probably all heard about incidences of bullying, we do not know how widespread or not it may be or if there are particular individuals or groups which are most affected.

“The initial findings of the research are expected to be published around November, none of which will be attributable to individuals. We also intend to put together guidance on best practice based on the outcomes and develop a strategy to provide support to anyone who is affected and work with firms to promote dignity at work.”

Julius Erolin, the managing consultant from Equality Works said: “Bullying and harassment is a serious issue in the workplace and can cause pain and misery for those who are victims, and adds significant costs to businesses. Identifying whether there is a problem is the only way to ensure that it can be dealt with appropriately.

“Even if there is not a significant problem within the legal profession, there are bound to be isolated cases identified or some workplaces where working practice could be improved.

To take part in the research, visit www.lawscot.org.uk or contact Helen Ketcher/Julius Erolin at Equality Works at: business.services@equality works.co.uk