Five per cent of those surveyed have either had relationships with colleagues banned in their contracts, or specifically discouraged by bosses.
Fifty six per cent of those questioned admitted to an office romance. Quite often it proved to be more than a fumble in the stationery cupboard, as 22% said that a “long term relationship” developed at work.
Claire Walker, human resources partner at Maris Interiors, who commissioned the research, said: “bosses might be on dodgy legal ground by banning relationships at work. “The Human Rights Act 1998 gives everyone the right to a private life.”
“As long as there has been no misconduct, such as sharing of confidential data, employees shouldn’t feel worried about their jobs. Besides, we can’t sack 56% of the UK’s workforce!”
