(A) The Town Council fully supports the right of all people to be treated with respect and dignity in the workplace. The Council recognizes that bullying is not only unacceptable on moral grounds and harassment on legal grounds, but that either can have a negative affect on both individuals and operational efficiency. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, being 29 U.S.C. §§ 651 et seq., employers have a general duty of care to protect employees’ health, safety and welfare while at work. Prolonged harassment or bullying can cause both serious psychological and physical health problems, such as stress and depression. The Town Council is therefore committed to promoting a working environment free from any form of bullying or harassment.
(B) All employees and officials will be made aware of the Town Council’s policy forbidding bullying and all employees and officials are expected to adhere to this policy. Bullying and harassment will not be tolerated by anyone at the Town Council. Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against employees and officials who breach this policy. This policy applies to staff both on and off the premises, as well as officials.
(C) All employees are required to help create a working environment in which bullying and harassment is unacceptable. Employees and officials should in particular ensure that they do not collude with bullying or harassing behavior and that they fully cooperate with any complaints procedures. Superintendents and officials are responsible for raising awareness of the issue, responding constructively to any complaints and challenging and stopping bullying and harassment at work. The Town Council also recognizes that it has a responsibility to protect employees, clerks and officials from bullying or harassment at work by members of the public. Bullying and harassment of staff by the public will be dealt with separate to this policy.