Amidst the current pandemic and the increase in remote working, employees may feel they need to turn to each other, now more than ever, for support. Whilst workplace romances can create a headache for HR professionals, Employment Associate Fiona Mendel emphasises that employees are entitled to a private life, meaning a balance must be struck between that and work.
Fiona gives her expert advice on the issue, commenting, “Employers need to strike a balance between protecting the organisation’s business interests, and the rights of employees to a private life. The Equality Act prohibits discrimination in the course of employment and Article 8 of the Human Rights Act ensures individuals have the right to respect for private life which could arguably afford individuals the right to choose with whom they form personal relationships with.” Fiona continues that “employers need to be mindful that support from co-workers at this time is paramount and a relaxation on any strict rules be relaxed, at least for the time being.”
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