Many of you will have followed the recent controversy surrounding Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Andy Burton. An off air conversation between them about a female Premier League linesman [one of just 2 female football officials in the Premier League] eventually found its way into the public domain and controversy ensued. As a result both of them faced internal disciplinary action.
But what happens if some of your employees make sexist comments about their work colleagues? Wait for it – you, as the employer, could be held responsible i.e. “vicariously liable”! It’s very probable that in any employment tribunal claim, the boss would be held responsible for such sexist remarks. So what can you do to avoid the risk of discrimination claims – short of introducing a Stasi style secret police at work? Our employment solicitors suggest that these simple steps should help to protect your position;
- make sure that you have an equal opportunities policy – banning this sort of behavior, which some employees may consider simply harmless banter
- if you suspect that sexist remarks are being made, don’t wait for the formal complaint – investigate yourself
- if you do find that there has been sexist or offensive behavior – make sure you take internal disciplinary procedures ASAP