Have you been harassed by your boss? That’s what happened to Kim Beaney.
In April 2017, she took a job at Highways England as a driver and trainee highway inspector.
She was interviewed by her line manager, Grant Bosence. Even before she started the job, he initiated unsolicited text messages and phone calls where he made it clear he wanted to be “more than friends”.
During her induction on 12 April, Kim found that she’d originally been allocated to work at the Leicester Forest East location. However, Grant had moved her to the Sandiacre depot, where his friend Steven Curtis, would be her supervisor. Steven could then ask her personal questions and position Grant as a “potential romantic interest” for Kim.
Kim told Grant that people had started to question the nature of their relationship, and asked for a transfer to Leicester Forest East, but was refused. She also asked to work with another supervisor. This request was also refused.
Kim told Steven that Grant had been pursuing her since the interview. The next day, 13 April, Steven told her that Grant had claimed she was having a romantic relationship with him.
As a result, Kim left work and contacted the company’s employee telephone helpline to raise a formal complaint that she’d been subjected to harassment and bullying.
She went back to work on 18 April, but was signed off with stress from 2 May until she eventually left in August.
Her grievance was investigated at a hearing on 24 April by Malcolm Dangerfield (Steven’s boss). On 7 June, Malcolm upheld part of her complaint, and said he would ask senior management to review the situation with Grant, while he would speak to Steven.
Kim made an appeal on 8 June, but this was not upheld.
She resigned on 30 August 2017, and brought a claim for constructive unfair dismissal following sexual harassment, direct discrimination and victimisation by her manager and supervisor.
The Nottingham employment tribunal has recently found in her favour, and Kim was awarded almost £74,000 to cover her financial losses, injury to feelings, damages and interest.
In her ruling, Judge Elizabeth Heap ruled that the behaviour had “marred the course” of Kim’s employment.
Have you been harassed by your boss?
Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for female employees to be harassed by their male colleagues in positions of power.
Managers should draw a clear line between professional and personal relationships, and be clear about what behaviour counts as inappropriate. This should be stated in your staff handbook.
If you make an allegation of sexual harassment, your employer should appoint an independent, trained and experienced investigator to deal with it properly.
If that doesn’t happen, or you’ve been harassed by your boss, please give us a call. We’ll be happy to help.
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