Bullying, says the Health & Safety Executive, costs employers 80 million working days and up to £2 billion in lost revenue every year. It also results in poor morale and productivity and higher staff turnover.
Bullying can take many different forms, from actual physical violence and threats of violence - to name calling, sarcasm and teasing. Bullying that doesn't include physical abuse can be just as hard to deal with and is often more hurtful than actually being punched or kicked.

How do you deal with bullying when it's happening to you?

• Being shouted at
• Being criticised all the time
• Having your responsibilities taken away
• Being given trivial tasks to do
• Continuously being picked on in front of your colleagues - and/or in private
• Having your chances of promotion removed
• Regularly being made fun of, or being the butt of unpleasant jokes
• Being regularly and deliberately ignored
• Being excluded from work activities
• Being deliberately overloaded with work
• Getting impossible deadlines (which you suspect your boss knows you won't be able to make)
• Being consistently attacked in terms of your professional or personal standing

You do not have to put up with it. A long period of bullying behaviour can take its toll on your health, causing stress, anxiety, panic attacks and a loss of confidence. It can also impact upon your relationships and family life. “I’d like someone to drive me to the airport this afternoon. Would you be able to do that?” when you answer such a request, be direct as well: “No, I’m taking this afternoon off to play golf”.

Here's a list of steps to take:

• Don't ignore it. You have the right to be treated equally and as fairly as everybody else under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This means your employer has a duty to protect your health, welfare and safety. If this isn't happening, then your employer - as well as the person bullying you - may face a punishment of a fine or paying compensation. So it really is in their interests as well as yours to stop it happening.
• Try talking to the person calmly and confidently, saying that you find their approach and behaviour to you unacceptable. Standing up directly to the bullying behaviour like this - preferably in front of some other colleagues - may be all it takes to stop it happening again. People who bully do not like their authority undermined.
• You should tell someone, especially as most bullying behaviour goes on in secret, or away from a group of colleagues. You might also be bullied over emails, on the phone or in writing so don't try and face it on your own; there is strength and often comfort in numbers, and you may find that other people are also going through the same thing.
• Keep a diary and log the times and dates of bullying behaviour - and exactly what that behaviour is. When the person bullying you is tackled, your account of what's been going on will be important. Bear in mind too that an account of one incidence on its own carries less weight than a more detailed list so make it as in-depth as you can.
• Join a union. The union will listen to you and ensure you have the best advice. The union can give you free legal advice, support you, put you in touch with support groups and approach the employer on your behalf. You do not have to tell your employers.
• Tell your manager or supervisor. If it is one of them who is bullying you, go to their manager. Take your diary with you as evidence to back up what you have to say. You could gently remind them that by law they have to do all they can to stamp it out.
• However, if the bullying becomes unbearable and your employer is doing nothing to combat it, then the most pragmatic thing is to decide to change jobs; it is a positive decision not to have your career and life ruined or your health destroyed.