Employers who turn a blind eye to harassment in the workplace will be facing costly legal battles if a claim is brought against them, warns a leading employment lawyer.

Martin Edwards, head of employment law at leading North West law firm, Mace & Jones urges employers to make sure they have clear policy on how to deal with harassment or be prepared to face claims. He said;

"A nurse who worked at Blackburn Royal Infirmary was recently awarded 32,000 at a tribunal because it had found she had been constructively dismissed after a period of harassment and bullying.

"Unfortunately in this case the inquiry was overseen by a manager who was supported by the individual who had been harassing the nurse. If at a tribunal the claimant can show that the complaint procedure was ineffective and unfair then an employer will almost certainly be faced with a financial penalty. Careful handling of any complaint may take a little time, but the investment is likely to be far less than the cost of compensation if the problem is mishandled."

The Legal 500 and the Chambers Guide to the UK Legal Profession rank Mace & Jones'' employment law department as leaders in their field. Liverpool FC, Shell UK and Emerald Airlines are just some of the employment department''s clients.