Damages blow for bullied workers

Law lords today quashed a Court of Appeal ruling which increased compensation for workers forced out of their jobs by bullying.

Britain's biggest union, Unison, had hailed the appeal judges' decision in February as a breakthrough that would entitle thousands to more compensation and force bosses to tackle workplace bullying.

However, five Law Lords have now ruled that Parliament never intended the Employment Rights Act to include a provision for unfair dismissal which would compensate for psychiatric damage or injury to feelings.

Unison had backed a claim by Christopher Dunnachie, 36, who took former employer Hull city council to an industrial tribunal. The tribunal found bullying had caused him illhealth and he was awarded nearly £55,000, including £10,000 for injury to feelings. The council went to an employment appeal tribunal, which stripped out the £10,000.

The Court of Appeal reinstated it, but this has now been lost. Unison said: "We felt the original ruling gave justice to unfair dismissal cases involving bullying."