Bosses warned over ‘after hours’ bullying

EMPLOYERS were yesterday warned they could be held responsible for incidents of bullying that occur outside of the workplace.

As part of an initiative to protect employees, bosses will now be expected to put policies in place in case bullying occurs at a table quiz, work-related event or even a work drinks night out.

The new code on prevention, solving and spotting bullying in work was launched by the Health and Safety Authority. It was launched to support recent legislation and comes in the wake of a recent ESRI report which concluded as many as one in 14 Irish employees have been bullied in the workplace.