Resolved complaint (154) about sexual harassment in employment

About the complaint

The complainant was employed as a personal assistant to the managing director of a small business. She alleged that the managing director sexually harassed her, including by making comments about the possibility of them living together, asking her about her sex life and ultimately writing to her proposing that they enter into a romantic relationship. 

The respondents denied the alleged conduct was sexual harassment. The managing director said the comments were consensual and made in the context of a close friendship. He said this led him to propose a romantic relationship. While his proposal was declined, he said this did not amount to sexual harassment. 

The complaint was resolved with an agreement that the respondents pay the complainant $100,000 as general damages and $10,000 as a contribution to her legal costs. The parties agreed to end the employment relationship.

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