Bullying claim lands trust company in legal dispute

Wednesday 17 October 2018

A man who claims that his manager’s bullying behaviour sent his mental health into a downward spiral is suing his former employer for negligence.

Philip Terrence Austin is bringing proceedings against Hawksford Trust Company, stating that they were fully aware of the effect his manager’s alleged “bullying behaviour” was having on him, but did not take steps to rectify the situation.

At the heart of the claim is whether or not Hawksford were aware that Mr Austin felt he was being bullied, whether this claim was true and if Mr Austin’s decline in mental health could or should have been prevented by his employer.

According to documents currently before the court, Mr Austin was signed off work on three separate occasions due to stress and depression.

He argues that it was directly linked with the behaviour of his manager, who he said was critical of him and his work, “extremely difficult to communicate with” and shouted at him in front of many co-workers – actions he said left him “feeling belittled, embarrassed and demoralised."

Pictured: Philip Austin is pursuing legal action against his former employer, Hawksford Trust Company, over alleged workplace bullying (Google Maps).

Mr Austin says that he continuously informed the HR Department of his boss's alleged “bullying” and took up two different positions in the company in an effort to minimise his contact with her. 

Despite this, Mr Austin says his mental health continued to deteriorate and he eventually had to be treated in the UK for depression.

However, Hawksford denies that Mr Austin - or any of the members in the funds team - were bullied.

They also refute that Mr Austin spoke to HR about his feelings on as many occasions as he detailed, adding that they also weren’t aware this was making him ill.

“It is denied that any actions by [his manager] contributed to and/or were the cause of the psychiatric injury suffered by [Mr Austin]," their official response read.

The matter will come before the Royal Court at a time yet to be decided.