Should 'banter' be allowed at work?

Back in November 2015, Euro Quality Coatings’ (EQC) Head of HR justified alleged racist and homophobic jokes as ‘just banter’ at an employment tribunal. Nathan Owens, a former Warehouse Operative who was dismissed on 1st October 2014 for lateness and absenteeism, filed an official complaint of harassment regarding race and supposed sexual orientation against EQC.