Britain’s bosses take a lenient view of office romance, according to research from law firm Browne Jacobson.

It found that just 6% of UK employers ban romantic liaisons between staff.

Midlands' bosses are the most lenient, with little over half as many in the East Midlands (6%) having such policies, and 7% in the West Midlands barring office romances.

Employers in Northern England are the strictest in the country when it comes to office romance, with 10% banning relationships between staff.
Peter Jones, employment partner at Browne Jacobson, says: “Companies should take the issue of office romance seriously, as it can leave them open to accusations such as favouritism, harassment or discrimination. Problems can arise both during the relationship and after it has ended.

 “Companies should have in place clear procedures to ensure fairness of pay, promotion, opportunity and dismissal, to reduce the chance of having to deal with disgruntled employees, grievances and even tribunal claims.”

owever, companies take a stricter stance on drinking during working hours, and many take steps to prevent recreational drug use by employees.

It found 57% of businesses ban drinking during working hours, and 28% include clauses in employment contracts allowing drug testing.