Just 18% of employers take complaints regarding offensive jokes seriously.

These are the findings of employment law firm, Peninsula. The news comes despite 66% of bosses who say they have witnessed workplace pranks escalating to the point of offending.

Employees are also recognising that not enough is being done. Sixty-eight per cent of workers said that bosses could do more to help.

Mike Huss, Senior Employment Law specialist at Peninsula said:

“Employers have to bear in mind the damaging consequences of harassment cases in the workplace which can lead to the loss of employees, Tribunals and financial pitfalls. Employers should be more aware of this growing problem and the legal position.

“It’s imperative to stamp out this problem in its developing stages and use the proper conduct procedures when stating when a joke goes too far. An employer is under duty in criminal law and in law of tort under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure the welfare of employees.”

A total of 1,897 employers and 1,467 employees were quizzed as part of the survey.