A critical evaluation of law and policy pertaining to workplace bullying in England and Wales: implications for organisational management and risk

Purpose This study critically evaluates the UK’s legal and policy framework concerning workplace bullying. This study aims to provide a focussed evaluation of legislative context, employer responsibilities and procedural expectations, while identifying current gaps and future reforms. Design/methodology/approach This research uses a critical analysis of the UK’s existing legal landscape, including key legislation and policy. This systematic literature review approach integrates academic commentary with an evaluation of current practice, offering a socio-legal perspective on managing workplace bullying. Findings The UK lacks dedicated anti-bullying legislation, resulting in a fragmented legal framework that offers partial protection, primarily through harassment provisions linked to protected characteristics. This places a substantial interpretive and operational burden on organisational knowledge and compliance. Emerging trends, such as the Worker Protection Act 2023, suggest a legislative shift towards proactive prevention, moving the UK closer to international standards, though significant gaps for general bullying persist. Originality/value This paper offers a timely and critical overview of the complex interplay between UK law and workplace bullying, emphasising its practical impact on human resource management. By treating the legal framework as a dynamic entity, this study aims to inform current compliance and ethical practice whilst anticipating future reforms.