An employer has discovered the expensive downside of not properly investigating an allegation of a sexual assault by an employee.  A female worker alleged that the foreman made sexual remarks and grabbed her breast at the Christmas function.

The employer did not properly investigate and instead raised allegations that the employee was being sexually provocative.

The Employment Relations Authority found that there was no doubt the assault had taken place and there was no evidence that the employee was acting inappropriately at the time or in general.

The employer was ordered to pay $5,000 lost wages and $15,000 compensation for hurt and humiliation.

If you would like a copy of our free Employer’s Guide to Dealing with Sexual Harassment in the workplace then call Alan Knowsley or go to our Downloads section.