Young socialising in work hours ‘not age harassment’

BOISTEROUS 20 and 30-somethings whose behaviour annoys older work colleagues are not breaking equality rules, an employment judge has said.

- By Matthew Dooley

A tribunal ruling suggested chatting and spending time on mobile phones does not constitute age harassment.

It came after 66-year-old administrator Catherine Ritchie claimed bosses allowed high-spirited younger colleagues to socialise and make personal mobile phone calls.

Standards

She said she found it difficult to watch the “extreme” time-wasting, would leave work with a “pounding” headache and thought she might have dysphonia — hoarseness.