Workplace relationships are nothing new but, for UK employers, the stakes have never been higher. In this episode we pinpoint risk and compliance issues to watch out for.

Close relationships at work are a fact of life, but they can be notoriously tricky for employees and employers to navigate. And if something goes wrong, there can be far reaching legal, reputational and regulatory impacts for employers.

In this episode of The Employment Exchange podcast, Ashurst Perkins Coie partner and Head of Employment, UK & Europe, Ruth Buchanan, is joined by colleagues Sarah-Jane Gemmell and Katharine Foster, pinpoint some of the issues, risks and unintended consequences that employers need to be prepared for. In just 20 minutes, this episode covers:

• How hybrid working has “muddied the waters” for employers
• The hallmarks of an effective workplace relationships policy that balances employees’ privacy with the employer’s legitimate interests. (As Kate puts it: “Document everything.”)
• Power imbalances, consent, and the risks of favoritism, harassment, discrimination, victimization and constructive dismissal claims
• Legal and regulatory changes to help prevent sexual harassment – including increased employer accountability from October this year under the Employment Rights Act 2025
• How employers should respond when a relationship is declared, creates a conflict in reporting lines, or comes to an end
• Common mistakes to avoid and mitigate against.

Hear the episode by searching for “Legal Outlook by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player. And find out more about the full range of Ashurst podcasts at ashurstperkinscoie.com/podcasts.

Newsflash: We’ve just launched The Employment Exchange, which brings together all the latest insights and updates from Ashurst Perkins Coie’s UK employment team.

The information provided is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and practice, or to cover all aspects of those referred to. Listeners should take legal advice before applying it to specific issues or transactions.