When staff…
When Staff Cross Social Boundaries Between Each Other Can The Employer Foot The Bill?
On a regular basis we bring you details of employment tribunal judgements which may surprise you. This case demonstrates how staff breaking social behaviour boundaries between each other can leave the employer with a bill if issues are ignored.
The case involved a woman employee who was left feeling unsafe in her place of work after being sexually harassed. The principles apply anywhere and any time between staff members.
Ms Shirley Lyons 60 was the only female employee, along with six male employees to attend an employees’ Christmas party in December 2017.
At an employment tribunal, she claimed a colleague had touched her bottom, hugged her from behind without her consent and made comments about her breasts.
“My manager and my employer totally failed to protect me both from the harassment and from being victimised afterwards. “I had no option but to resign.” said Ms Lyons.
The judge at the tribunal ruled that the actions amounted to unlawful sexual harassment.
Ms Lyons, who waived her right to anonymity in the proceedings, was awarded £18,857.18 in compensation.
“I stood up to behaviour that shouldn’t be happening in any workplace.
Ms Lyons’s complaints of sexual harassment and victimisation were partially upheld by the employment tribunal. The tribunal panel found her claim of unfair dismissal was well founded, while other lesser claims were not upheld.
The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.