Office banter no more offensive to women than men

A woman who was called a "dumb bastard" by her managing director was not less favourably treated than a man would be treated, and general office banter which was no more offensive to women than to men could not be regarded as sexual harassment, says a Manchester industrial tribunal (Chair: P J Russell) in Smith v Bowater Labels Ltd.

After her dismissal from her post as an account executive, Miss Smith complained that she had been subjected to sexual harassment.