If an employer receives an anonymous written bullying complaint naming an individual and alleging bullying, what are their obligations regarding follow up?

Employers have a legal duty to act reasonably and investigate bullying complaints appropriately. In situations where the complaint is serious in nature and/or contains sufficient detail to deal with the matters complained of, the employer should investigate further. Failure to do so may result in legal action where it can be shown that the employer knew or ought to have known that physical or psychological harm to an employee may occur.

In Green v DB Group Services (UK) Ltd [2006] EWHC 1898 (QB), an employer was held vicariously liable for failing to take adequate steps to protect a vulnerable employee from bullying and harassment at the hands of her colleagues. It was established that the