10. Bullying, harassment, discrimination and racism
procedures for pursuing issues formally. Reps should weigh the risks and benefits before recommending action. See Chapter 12 for more on understanding how to approach employers.
• Refer to legal support: If there is a possible legal claim, refer the case to union legal services. Follow protocols such as UNISON’ S Race Discrimination Protocol.
• Understand timelines: Discrimination claims to the employment tribunal must usually be submitted within three months less one day of the discriminatory act. Before a claim can be lodged, the worker must notify ACAS for Early Conciliation. This process pauses the time limit for up to one month( extendable by 14 days). If conciliation fails, a certificate is issued and the worker has a minimum of one month to submit a tribunal claim.
Collective action for branches:
• Encourage the branch to challenge poor practices affecting multiple workers. Raise wider issues with the employer, commissioners or regulators where appropriate.
• Training and capacity-building: Promote equality and anti-racism training for reps and officers. UNISON offers training on challenging racism in the workplace, developing race equality action plans, and holding difficult conversations. Branches should prioritise this training as part of their activist development.
Resources
• UNISON Race Discrimination Protocol
• LRD Law at Work 2025
• ACAS guide on discrimination and bullying
• Government definition of workplace bullying and harassment
• UNISON Challenging Racism in the Workplace guide
• TUC Tackling Racism in the Workplace guide
• UNISON equalities and activist training
60 LRD • Supporting migrant workers