There’s a rumour going round that I’m gay, which has resulted from the fact that I share a house with another man and don’t have a girlfriend. I don’t know who started the rumour but it’s causing problems at work. Is there any way of putting a stop to it?
If you don’t know who is spreading the rumour it will be difficult to stop it. However you should discuss this with your employers, who are obliged under the Equality Act to protect you from discrimination at work. Employers can be liable for the acts of their employees and may be ordered to pay compensation if it can be shown that they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent unlawful harassment or discriminatory behaviour within the workplace. Individuals who harass may also be ordered to pay compensation.