What is Blackmail?
Blackmail is defined under the Theft Act 1968 as a demand made with unwarranted menaces to gain for himself or another or with intent to cause loss to another. In simpler terms, this means that if an employee or employer is making demands of you which would lead to their gain or someone else’s loss, without any right to do so, and in doing so are threatening to, for example, reveal personal details to the public or a loved one, it constitutes blackmail.
By breaking it down, it is:
- A demand;
- Which threatens you in some way;
- It is unwarranted and;
- Leads to a loss or gain.
This is a separate concept from Harassment and Inappropriate Stress, in that there is an intent to make a loss or gain with Blackmail. In the other topics, it is merely a form of aggression without any intent to make a loss or gain.
Legal Consequences of Blackmail
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the penalty for blackmail upon conviction on indictment (a serious crime) is a term of imprisonment not exceeding 14 years. This may also be found under the Theft Act 1968, Section 21(3). A link is provided for your reference below.
If you are being blackmailed at work, you must report it to the nearest valid authority, or call 999 and make a full report. You should include as much information as possible. You must have as much information to hand when you make the report, as it will expedite the process of your claim being handled.
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