80 per cent of men 'face female sex pests'

Most men are sexually harassed by women at work - but are afraid to complain to their employer, say researchers.

Four out of five male workers had experienced such harassment from a female colleague, according to a study for employment law firm Peninsula.

Two-thirds of the 2,300 men questioned also said that sexual banter was inappropriate at work.A separate poll of 1,600 employers admitted they would not take a complaint of sexual harassment as seriously from a male employee.

David Price of Peninsula said: 'The balance has shifted and it is now women who are aiming sexual banter at male workers.

'Many workers are under the opinion that sexual banter is an acceptable norm in the workplace.

'But not everyone is happy with these types of jokes and the situation is a growing problem for employers.'