FSA forced to pay compensation after bullying claims

Posted 13/05/2010

New figures released under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that the Financial Services Authority (FSA) has been forced to pay compensation to four employees in the past year following allegations of bullying or discrimination.

A total of £148,000 was paid to the four unnamed members of staff between 2008 and 2009 after the firm was taken to employment tribunals in each case.

It has also been revealed that two other complaints are currently being investigated and that another was launched and then withdrawn.

The employees are believed to have complained following harassment or bullying within the firm.

According to the Trades Union Congress, workplace bullying is now recognised as a major cause of ill health and must be treated in the same way as any other hazard under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

If this does not happen, employers may be breaching their contracts and could be subjected to an employment tribunal.