An Equality Officer found that an employee had not substantiated her sexual harassment allegations against a company. The recommendation was dated 10 July 1996. The officer also recommended that the company establish a sexual harassment complaints procedure under the Employment Equality Agency’s Code of Practice.
The employee, an office manager, alleged that a male colleague subjected her to physical and verbal sexual harassment from 1991 to 1994, and that the company failed to address her complaints. The company said their interactions involved mutual jokes and tricks.
The officer found serious conflicts in the accounts and said it was impossible to determine whether the alleged incidents occurred. She found the employee had not substantiated her allegations, so did not examine the company’s vicarious liability.