Hamburg  - People who work in the hotel and restaurant industries often are the target of sexual harassment on the job, says a report by a Bilbao-based European agency for security and health in the workplace.

Nearly 8 per cent of hospitality employees complain about sexual harassment on the job, according to the report, which was referenced by a German professional association for food and restaurants based in Mannheim. In other branches about 2 per cent complain.

In addition, about 12 per cent see themselves as the target of intimidation and 6.5 per cent have been confronted with physical violence. In other sectors, the figures are 8.5 per cent and 3.5 per cent, respectively.

Employees in restaurants and hotels also have to deal with stress and time pressure on the job. The long and irregular hours they work also make it difficult to reach a compatible state between job and private life. And often legal guidelines on workplace security are not put into practice because employers do not have the time and staff.

About 2 million people work in the restaurants and hotel industry in Germany. (dpa)