Sex in the workplace? Law expert weighs in

A video showing an inmate and prison warder having sex at the Ncome Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal has been doing the rounds on social media.

The “appalling” video, as described by The Department of Correctional Services, has landed both the warder and inmate in hot water. They are both expected to face disciplinary action.

The Department of Correctional Services said the video has left the department “appalled, embarrassed, and gutted”.

“Sexual activities between inmates and correctional officers are shameful incidents that can never be ascribed to what is expected of our officials. The official involved has been identified. Correctional officers are expected to abide by the Code of Conduct,” said  Department of Correctional Services spokesperson Singabakho Nxumalo.

READ: Correctional Services shocked at 'flustering scenes' between official, inmate

This is not the first time a video of two correctional officers has done its round on social media.

In 2011, two officers from Krugersdorp Prison recorded themselves having intercourse while on duty and were suspended.

What are the possibilities of getting dismissed due to having sex in the office?

Many people engage in sexual relationships in the office.

According to a survey by Cliff Central, more than one in ten employees have admitted to having sex with a co-worker in the workplace.

Labour Law expert, Raymond Francois, says it is important to know the policies at your workplace.

Many companies will have policies that prohibit sexual activities while on duty.

Francois says the company will then discipline or can even dismiss an employee based on their Code of Conduct or policies.

But, in the case where there is no policy, Francois says you can still get into trouble for bringing the company into disrepute.

“So, it won’t necessarily be the act of sex per se, but it would be that you are going to have reputational damage because of it,” warns the Law Expert.

Image courtesy of iStock/ @crossstudio