It’s not uncommon these days in the world of workplace sexual harassment lawsuits to be required to report any office affairs one might be having—but in the UK, a local union is accusing bosses of creating an “Orwellian dictate” by doing the same thing. Now, they’re fighting for their right to clandestine sexual trysts with their coworkers; or at least their right not to have to fess up about every lurid detail of their sex lives both on work time and off.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) is the umbrella organization for all of Britain’s unions, and currently it is going to bat for members over a new policy drawn up by the human resources department of Fenland District Council. The document states that any employee of the governmental body must report any and all affairs, and that no “intimate behavior” during work time is acceptable.
Sarah Veale, the Head of Employment Rights for TUC, protested the policy by saying, “It's quite common for relationships to start in the office, but having to declare your feelings via the HR department is hardly the most romantic way to make a move. Whilst it's important for employers to tackle inappropriate behavior at work, laying down Orwellian dictates about people's personal lives will simply generate resentment among staff.” No kidding. Next up; Big Brother spy cameras in everyone’s cubicles and private bedrooms.