Valentine's Day dilemma: Office relationships and sexual harassment

Our Valentine's Day dilemma concerns an office relationship that has turned bad and led to allegations of sexual harassment. 

  • Valentine's Day dilemma: Office relationships and sexual harassment "An office romance has turned bad and now one of the parties is alleging sexual harassment. As he was in a romantic relationship with his female colleague for quite a few months beforehand I am unsure about his rights and our responsibility as an employer to step in. What should we do?" 

Would you like to read weekly dilemmas on a particular issue or area of employment law? If so, please email employment law editor John Read

Also

Frequently asked questions on sexual harassment:

Is harassment in relation to sex expressly prohibited under the Equality Act 2010?

What is the difference between sex-based harassment and sexual harassment?

Can an employer be held liable for sex-related harassment or harassment of a sexual nature by third parties?