Sexism in the workplace really is bad news

TV presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys both received disciplinary warnings following off-air comments about female assistant referee Sian Massey. When new evidence of what Sky Sports called “unacceptable and offensive behaviour” towards a female colleague emerged, Gray was dismissed. Keys later resigned. For most employers, the question is whether such behaviour constitutes sexual harassment. The Equality Act, which came into force on 1 October 2010, prohibits harassment related to sex (unwanted conduct such as telling sexist jokes), sexual harassment (unwanted verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature), and less favourable treatment because the employee rejects or submits to harassment.