A care assistant claimed she was forced to resign after being sexually harassed by her boss at a nursing home.

Judith Gordon alleges Michael Modder, the manager of Cliff Court nursing home in The Promenade, Peacehaven, made crude and offensive sexual comments to her.

Ms Gordon told an employment tribunal that Mr Modder said to her: "I want to spend the night with you."

She said he told her to wear shorter skirts and made a series of sexual comments including: "The trouble with you is that you need a damn good seeing to."

Also: "Can I spend the night with you as my wife is away."

She also accused him of being insensitive to the needs of the residents at the home. She said when she remarked to him how poorly a resident looked he shouted at her: "She's dying so what do you expect?"

Ms Gordon and two former colleagues are claiming compensation after losing their jobs. Ms Gordon, of Neville Road, Peacehaven, is claiming constructive dismissal and sex discrimination.

Christine Cross, of Roderick Avenue, Peacehaven, a part-time supper cook, claims she was unfairly dismissed in September 2001 after she went off sick because she was upset when her shifts were cut.

Carole Handley, of Trafalgar Close, Peacehaven, is claiming constructive dismissal. She resigned from her job as a senior care assistant last September because of a breakdown in trust and confidence with her employer.

The owners of the nursing home, Jon and Carol Breeds, and manager Mr Modder deny treating the three women unfairly.

Yesterday the Brighton hearing was told Ms Gordon resigned from her part-time job in November last year because her shifts had been gradually reduced and she was fed up with the sexual innuendoes.

She accused Mr Modder of trying to force out staff by reducing their shifts and then replacing them with friends of his.

She said many staff left after he became manager in January 2001. She said: "I was the 23rd to go."

Ms Gordon denied she had fancied Mr Modder. She said: "It is absolute utter rubbish."

The hearing continues.