Workers could soon have to sign "love contracts" to protect firms from compensation claims if office affairs end in tears, according to a new report.

In the U.S., romantically involved workers have to sign legally binding agreements not to sue their employers if an office relationship breaks down.

The so-called "love contracts" could soon spread to Britain, where office affairs can cause problems and lead to resignations, said an article in Director magazine.

Staff recalled the "revolting" sight of workers kissing and cuddling in front of colleagues, gossip being spread around and talented workers being forced to leave because of the atmosphere caused by office romances, it said.

The article said with Britons working some of the longest hours in Europe, often in stressful jobs, it was small wonder that office affairs were "rife".