Dealing With Harassment and Intimidation from a Tradesman

By: Tracy Whitelaw - Updated: 1 Nov 2023 | *Discuss

 

Sadly, there are many cowboy traders out there and rogue tradesmen who are only out to make a quick buck and leave customers with an unsatisfactory job. For many people, dealing with a tradesman of this description can lead to a general fear that all workmen are similar and for the odd few, negative experiences of tradesmen goes one step further towards intimidation and harassment. As a consumer, you should do all you can to protect yourself from such situations by only hiring reputable tradesmen who are part of a trade association and only dealing with them if they meet your high criteria of standards. Always get an office contact number and address, ask for references and never pay up front. Still, for the odd few who have done this and still find themselves in a poor situation with a tradesman, it's important to know what to do if you feel intimidated or harassed.

You're the Boss

A tradesman who realises that he or she has to report back to the paying customer on a regular basis is less likely to start cutting corners which eventually can lead to intimidation. Normally when a tradesman resorts to using intimidation, they're trying to assert their authority and this comes from fear generally. It may be that they're falling behind on the work schedule, that the work isn't up to scratch, or that they simply aren't qualified to carry it out in the first place. If you feel that you're being intimidated in this way, or being 'put off' by the tradesman, don't back down. If it starts to feel that it's becoming threatening, immediately ask the tradesman to leave and call the police.

Being Harassed by a Tradesman

If this doesn't work and you are starting to feel that the tradesman is harassing you into paying or signing a contract, call the police. Don't wait for matters to get out of hand - especially if you feel physically threatened. If you're being verbally intimidated or harassed, try ensuring that you have a witness to it so that they can speak up for you should it go to court. If the harassment or intimidation is through letters or emails, keep copies of everything and use these as evidence against the tradesman when needed. There are no excuses for a reputable tradesman dealing with a customer in this way. If you feel intimidating by a visiting tradesman at any point, politely ask him to leave your premises and call the police straight away, providing them with as much information as possible.

Steps to Follow if you Feel Intimidated or Harassed

1. Ask the tradesman to leave immediately
2. Call your local police station and provide as much information as possible
3. End all contact with the tradesman and don't let him return to your premises
4. Contact the tradesman's governing body or trade association
5. Have someone with you when interviewing for a new tradesman

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