Harassment at work — Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)

Direct answer

Employers have a legal duty to protect you from harassment and bullying by colleagues, managers or customers, and must have a procedure for it. Keep a diary from today: date, what happened, who saw it. Report it in writing to the employer (HR, the confidential adviser, the works council). If nothing happens or it gets worse, Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) (0818 80 80 90) inspects psychosocial risks at work in Ireland; Your trade union (ICTU) (ictu.ie) represents you; if the harassment is about sex, origin or another protected ground, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) (01 858 9601) is the equality body.

Call firstWorkplace Relations Commission (WRC)

Report toYour trade union (ICTU)

If that failsIrish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)

🗣️ What to say

"Since [date] I have been subjected to [behaviour] by [name/role], for example on [dates]. This affects my health and my work. I ask you to investigate, to take measures to stop it, and to confirm in writing what you will do. I am keeping a record of incidents."

🪜 Step by step

Diary from todayFacts, dates, witnesses, emails. Keep it at home.
See your doctorIf it affects your sleep or health. A medical record is evidence and protects you if you need leave.
Report in writing to the employerTo HR or the confidential adviser; keep a copy. The employer must investigate.
Nothing happens: Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Labour inspectorates handle psychosocial risks; a complaint triggers an inspection.
Protected ground: Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)Sexual harassment and harassment tied to origin, religion, disability etc. is discrimination — the equality body helps with a claim.

📇 All contacts

Workplace Relations Commission (WRC)Complaints under the Payment of Wages Act, inspections, adjudicationWithin 6 months of the unpaid date📞 0818 80 80 90 🔗 www.workplacerelations.ie

Your trade union (ICTU)Advice and representationFor members; join first if you are not🔗 www.ictu.ie

Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC)Advice and support on discrimination; WRC decides claimsDiscrimination at work, housing, services📞 01 858 9601 🔗 www.ihrec.ie

Crime Victims Helpline — 116 006Free victim support, information on the process, compensation tribunalAfter any crime📞 116 006 🔗 crimevictimshelpline.ie

❓ Frequently asked

Can I refuse to work with the harasser?

You can ask for measures — a different team, no contact — and the employer must consider them. Leaving without agreement is risky; get advice first.

I want to resign

A resignation caused by unaddressed harassment can count as a dismissal with compensation in many countries — but only if you complained first and it is documented. Talk to Your trade union (ICTU) before resigning.

Can I record conversations?

Rules differ; in many countries recording a conversation you are part of is allowed as evidence, secretly recording others is not. Ask Your trade union (ICTU).

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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🛑 I am being bullied or harassed at work — who do I report it to?