Harassment in the workplace

[nacelle]

My mom has walked out of work due to an area manager harassing and intimidating employees.
She was his latest victim along with a co worker who is still there, and has decided to file a formal complaint against him with the company.
She is the cleaning manager for a services management company.
Apparently there have been 4 other employees who have left because of this guy and two of them have had breakdowns. My mom has had to go see the doctor because of the stress of this.
Up till now no one has filed a complaint against this asshole, my mom is the first and does have her coworker to support her. She has also got 2 of the other former employees to come forward.
So far she hasn't heard back from the company and its been almost a week.
According to the company handbook they are supposed to reply within 5 days of the complaint being received. Also according to the company handbook she is supposed to be on full pay while this is being resolved.
This asshole has caused 5 people to leave their job with health consequences. I think he should be fired instantly but apparently there is 'procedure' to follow.
There is the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 which states that it is a criminal offence to harass someone and that damages may be awarded.
I think my mom is prepared to take this to court and has 3 other people behind her who are prepared to testify.
I was wondering if there are any English lawyers on here who know the procedure for these kinds of cases?
My mom is thinking about going to see a lawyer about this if she doesn't hear back from head office.
We would like to be as prepared with as much information as possible as she is willing to see this through to the end, im hoping with compensation as well as this prick being fired.
No one should have to put up with bullying in the work place in this day and age although because of this she says she doesn't want to return to work there when this is over.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Ashu]

Im not British, but what I do know is that one of the most important things in these types of cases is to document as much as possible. Whether it is medical documentation, or personal logs. And definitely make sure you get those 3 people to testifiy, and make sure that anyone else willing to take the stand will help too.

 

[The Borg Queen]

Tribunal.

 

[the Dagman]

I would recommend doing at least an initial consultation with an attorney on the matter. Most companies will do their best to do the least they can do in these matters, and often require all parties to keep quiet about it. You cannot trust any company to act on anyone's behalf beyond that which serves their own interests first and foremost. Often, all involved parties will find themselves out of work fairly quickly just so the company can wash it's hands of the entire matter.

 

[WillsBabe]

Check out the TUC (Trade Union Congress) website http://www.tuc.org.uk/

It's the place I always go to check up on my employment rights. Also UNISON (public service union) might be useful, too.

http://www.unison.org.uk/

If your mum is looking for a solicitor don't forget that some will offer a free half hour. Also the CAB is an indispensible place for this kind of advice.