'Bisexuals are just greedy'
The most offensive workplace comments revealedUK office workers could face dismissal as a result of offensive comments, according to research by employment law solicitors Thomas Mansfield.
‘Bisexuals are just greedy,’ ‘In many respects, women are people too,’ and ‘Eat your lettuce and shut up’ are just some of the offensive comments reported by the anonymous survey.
Other offences include: ‘You can’t contribute, you’re only 20,’ ‘If she’s pregnant she doesn’t want a career,’ ‘Why is he so angry? Must be ginger rage,’ and ‘She’s tiny, the perfect height for a…’
Meredith Hurst, a partner at Thomas Mansfield, says, ‘Offence of any kind in the workplace can create a toxic and unpleasant environment, affecting staff morale and productivity. Employers who fail to deal with the perpetrators of bullying, and the underlying causes of conflict, will experience high staff turnover.
‘The obligation to provide a safe and stress-free working environment may amount to an implied term of the employment contract. In extreme cases, a victim of offence in the workplace may have grounds to bring a constructive dismissal claim.’
Bully beefs
‘Harassment in a legal sense must be on the basis of a protected characteristic such as race, sex, disability and sexual orientation,’ Hurst continues. ‘Harassment for another reason (being overweight, hair colour, etc.) whilst not giving rise to an actionable discrimination claim may still cause staff to complain of bullying in the wider sense.
‘Employers should focus on encouraging an inclusive workforce, regular and effective staff and management training, as well as a consistent and reasonable approach to disciplinary action.
‘Ultimately, harmonious staff relationships are reflected in a company’s bottom line and the value of tolerance should not be underestimated.’
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