Fleet managers, suppliers and other automotive service providers have been advised to be extra vigilant with the introduction of new harassment laws this month.

The Retail Motor Industry Federation (RMIF) has warned that companies that fail to protect employees from sexual harassment by customers or clients could fall foul of the law, due to come into force on Sunday.

Employers’ protection procedures are likely to come under scrutiny when workers make a complaint.

The law has also outlawed more general sexist behaviour, as well as outright harassment.

RMIF chairman Alec Murray said: “A good relationship between customers and staff is one of the keystones of success in the retail motor sector, so on that basis the new rules will provide clearer protection of this vital relationship.”