Sir Gavin Williamson is facing fresh allegations allegations of bullying during his time as Defence Secretary.
Not for the first time Sir Gavin has faced allegations, BBC News yesterday reported that this time Williamson told a senior civil servant to “slit your throat” and “jump out of the window” during his tenure under Theresa May.
An unnamed cabinet official in Sunak’s government told The Guardian that he “deliberately demeaned and intimidated” them.
Williamson strongly rejects the allegations, it is reported. He states:
“I strongly reject this allegation and have enjoyed good working relationships with the many brilliant officials I have worked with across government.
“No specific allegations have ever been brought to my attention.”
Sir Gavin was active as defence secretary between 2017 and 2019, until he was forced into resignation over the leaked details of the UK’s 5G network plan, which was set to involve Huawei.
A spokesperson from the Cabinet Office, Williamson’s current department as minister, reportedly had “not received notice of any formal complaints about Gavin Williamson’s behaviour from his time at the Ministry of Defence or any other department.”
Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has said that Sir Gavin’s language was “not acceptable”, but No. 10 is insistent that it has confidence in him. Williamson was brought back into the government as a Minister without portfolio by Sunak after his installation following Liz Truss’ resignation last month.
Mel Stride, the Works and Pensions Secretary, informed Times Radio that Williamson’s duties in government were “very important” and “I think Gavin is somebody who, as I say, has particular talents and a particular understanding of the parliamentary party.”
We shall see if, and how, this story develops.
What are the criteria for a stress at work claim for bullying and harassment?
A claimant must legally prove that they have not only suffered workplace stress, but that the stress meets the clinical criteria for a recognised psychiatric condition. If so, they would be able to claim compensation known as general damages – compensation for the pain and suffering endured as a result of the negligence.
If the symptoms meet the criteria, the court uses guidance called the Judicial Studies Board Guidelines (JCG) as a starting point, which takes into account the following:
- The injured person’s ability to cope with life and work
- The effect on the injured person’s relationships with family, friends, and those with whom he or she comes into contact
- The extent to which treatment would be successful
- Future vulnerability
- Prognosis
- Whether medical help has been sought
Further information surrounding the complex matter of stress at work and bullying can be found in our resources and articles here:
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Jessica Rowson started as a Paralegal at Oakwood Solicitors in July 2010, qualifying as a Solicitor in September 2013. Following her qualifying as a Solicitor, Jessica established a niche department …
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