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Employers count the cost of office love affairs

We don?t mean to be spoilsports, but while love is in the air this Valentine?s, North West law firm Maxwell Hodge has warned that businesses can face charges of harassment and discrimination, as a result of an office romance.
 
Employment Lawyer, Heather Grant at Maxwell Hodge said: ?Many firms don?t have policies in place covering the fallout from office romances, but they are leaving themselves open to potentially damaging and expensive legal claims.
?Issues tend to arise more when a relationship breaks down but even at the start of a relationship, particularly when it?s between a manager and their subordinate, it can lead to accusations of favouritism from other employees.
?The biggest downside though is when a relationship does fail and then employers can find themselves left with the fall out, including allegations of sexual harassment and in extreme cases, acts of physical violence against former partners.?
In the UK employers can be held liable for the misconduct of their employees; unless they show they have attempted to prevent such behaviour. Heather warns that it?s vital to have a written policy in place addressing harassment. This policy should send a strong message that any kind of harassment be it sexual or not, will not be tolerated and that employees are expected to act professionally at all times even if they are in a romantic relationship.
Heather said: ?In brief, a policy should set out whether you expect to be told about an office romance or just one between a manager and subordinate. Make it clear how any concerns about harassment can be reported and what steps your business will take when faced with such an allegation. ?By drawing up a robust policy and getting legal advice when issues arise, firms can cover themselves should an employee?s personal life cross the office door.?
For more information on employment law visit www.maxweb.co.uk or call 0800 6946 660.

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