No policy on love puts employers at risk from tribunals

UK employers without a formal office romance policy could be risking costly tribunal claims.

They should issue a code of conduct explaining acceptable standards of behaviour, according to HR consultancy Croner.

Research shows that most businesses have unofficial views on office affairs yet only 20% have formal policies in place.

Croner said that when office relationships break up, employers often have to contend with awkwardness and bad feeling, reduced productivity and morale.

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There is also the threat of sexual harassment claims from a vengeful lover, or sex discrimination allegations should the employer re-deploy either party to a different department without following correct procedures.

Richard Smith, HR expert at Croner, said: “You can’t legislate against love, but companies should consider issuing guidelines to employees on acceptable behaviour if they have a relationship with a colleague, and must include clearly defined grievance procedures.”