Harassment | Should hugging be banned in the workplace?

Last month, luxury clothing retailer Ted Baker hit the headlines when Founder and CEO Ray Kelvin took a leave of absence after allegations into his conduct were investigated.

One of the key accusations against him was his habit of “forced hugging”, along with other examples of harassment against female staff members.

But what causes a potentially friendly hug to cross the line into serious harassment territory?

DAS Law’s Lucy Kenyon suggested that there is no definitive answer to this. “However, if on either side the contact is forced, coerced, or in any way unwanted then it is not acceptable,” she added.