EMPLOYERS are being warned about the implications of a recent sexual harassment case.

High street retailers Burtons paid £17,500 to two female staff at one of its store to settle an industrial tribunal claim that they had been harassed by a male employee.

Both women complained that Burtons had not treated allegations that the man had exposed himself to the women seriously.

"There has been a steady increase in the number of complaints of sexual harassment," said Rayner Jones of Forbes & Partners solicitors in Blackburn.

"Employers must have a clear written grievance procedure and move quickly to deal with any allegations. Harassment poisons the atmosphere in the workplace, affects productivity and can cost a fortune in compensation and legal fees."

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