The Danger Lurking In The Workplace – Brexit Banter

A significant increase in racially-aggravated crime and workplace incidents in the UK following the Brexit vote should remind local employers of their responsibilities under the Discrimination Law, says Ogier employment lawyer Michael Little.

It was reported by the National Police Chiefs' Council in the UK that reports of hate crime rose 57 per cent in the weeks immediately after June's Brexit vote.

Although Jersey hasn't seen the same kind of behaviour on the same scale, it is a timely reminder for employers and employees to be mindful of the damage that office banter and harassment can do not only to the work environment, but also to their firms.

The Jersey Employment and Discrimination Tribunal has the power to make awards of up to £10,000 in discrimination-related cases, with awards for hurt and distress not exceeding £5,000 payable if applicable, by the employee themselves.