Relationship Problems? Liability of Employers for Sexual Relationships at Work

Authors

  • Sam Middlemiss Senior Research Fellow Robert Gordon University

Abstract

Abstract

 

Research has shown that sexual relationships at work are on the increase and the consequences for the parties (particularly employees and workers) can be the breakdown of working relationships, loss of employment and ultimately a legal claim. It therefore is an opportune time to review this important issue from a legal perspective. This issue has often been neglected in the past because of its sensitive and difficult nature and a general unwillingness to accept that it is an issue that can often have serious repercussions for victims of sex-related behaviour and therefore needs to be addressed from a legal perspective. Reference to the position in the United States will be made where it is useful in supporting the underlying arguments in the article. It will be argued that there is a need for employers to take this matter seriously and where appropriate make organisational changes to deal with it. Also a critical review of the legal rules that apply to relationships at work will be undertaken in this article and where appropriate recommendations made for changes in the law.   

Published

2019-05-28

Issue

Section

Articles