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What to Do if You Feel Unsafe or Need Help

Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at work. If you are facing harassment, bullying, or unsafe conditions in the drinks industry, this page will help you understand your options and where to find support.


You are not alone. What is happening to you is not your fault.


1. If you are unsafe right now

  • In an emergency: Call 999.

  • Not an emergency: Call 101 or report online:


If you cannot speak when you call 999, press 55 when prompted and follow the instructions.


2. Understanding what’s happening


Harassment and bullying can take many forms. It might be:

  • Sexual harassment or assault

  • Bullying based on your gender, race, sexuality, or being trans or non-binary

  • Repeated intimidation, exclusion, or humiliation

  • Customers or clients making you feel unsafe


All of these are unacceptable. Some are also criminal offences (for example: sexual assault, indecent exposure, or hate crimes).


3. Knowing your rights


UK law protects you from harassment at work:

  • Equality Act 2010: Protects you from harassment and discrimination because of protected characteristics such as gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, or gender reassignment.

  • Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act) Act 2023: From October 2024, employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including harassment by customers or clients.


If your employer fails to act, they can be held legally responsible.


4. Reporting a crime


If you believe a crime has been committed:

  • Call 999 (emergency) or 101 (non-emergency).

  • You can also report hate crimes online.

  • You should never be pressured to stay silent. Reporting is your choice.


If you’re not sure, you can talk to a support service first (see below). They can help you decide whether to report.


5. What your employer should do


Your employer has a duty of care. They must:

  • Keep you safe at work.

  • Take all complaints of harassment seriously.

  • Investigate promptly and fairly.

  • Put measures in place to protect you (e.g. changing shifts, removing the perpetrator).


If they fail, you can take your complaint further. ACAS offers free advice and early conciliation before an employment tribunal claim. Note: tribunal claims usually need to be made within 3 months minus 1 day of the incident.


6. Steps you can take now


You may find it helpful to:

  • Write down what happened – include dates, times, what was said or done, and who was present.

  • Save evidence – texts, emails, social media messages, or photos.

  • Tell someone you trust – a colleague, union rep, or safeguarding contact.


7. Where to find support


You do not have to go through this alone. These organisations can help:

  • Rape Crisis England & Wales – 24/7 support for anyone affected by sexual violence (rapecrisis.org.uk).

  • Rape Crisis Scotland – 08088 01 03 02.

  • SurvivorsUK – support for men and non-binary people (survivorsuk.org).

  • Galop – support for LGBT+ people facing abuse (galop.org.uk).

  • Victim Support – help after crime in England & Wales (08 08 16 89 111).

  • Victim Support Scotland – 08 08 16 89 111.

  • Samaritans – emotional support, free 24/7 on 116 123.

  • Hospitality Action – mental health and financial support for people in the hospitality sector (hospitalityaction.org.uk).

  • Be Inclusive Hospitality – community and resources for ethnic minority professionals in hospitality (bihospitality.co.uk).

  • Burnt Chef Project – mental health support tailored to hospitality workers (theburntchefproject.com).


The Drinks Trust Helpline

The Drinks Trust runs a free, confidential support line for anyone working in the drinks industry. Whether you are dealing with harassment, bullying, financial worries, stress, or simply need someone impartial to talk to, the helpline is available to listen and provide guidance. Trained advisors can connect you with practical resources, counselling, and wellbeing services tailored to the unique pressures of working in the drinks sector. Call 0800 915 4610, email supportline@drinkstrust.org.uk, or Whatsapp “HI” TO 07418 360 780.


8. If the workplace fails you

If your complaint is ignored or not handled fairly:

  • Seek advice from ACAS (acas.org.uk) – free, impartial workplace support.

  • Consider an employment tribunal if within time limits.

  • Speak to a trade union, legal adviser, or trusted industry body for additional guidance.


9. Looking after yourself

Experiencing harassment or bullying can take a serious toll on your wellbeing. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. You might consider:

  • Speaking to your GP about mental health support

  • Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or colleague

  • Contacting one of the specialist services above


10. Remember

  • What happened to you is not your fault.

  • You are entitled to safety, dignity, and respect at work.

  • Support is available. You are not alone.


The Drinks United Resource Hub

For longer-term or less urgent needs, the Drinks United Resource Hub provides practical tools, rights information, and signposting to external support. You can explore resources for individuals, such as guidance on your workplace rights, or browse tools for businesses to strengthen policies and workplace culture. The hub is designed to be accessible, free, and easy to navigate—helping you take steps at your own pace to feel safer, supported, and included at work.




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