Campaigners want retailers to remove magazines that display naked and near-naked images on their covers (Picture: PA)

Stores selling magazines that feature women on the cover with little or no clothing could be sued by staff and customers on the grounds of sexual harassment, feminist groups have warned.

Shops stocking ‘lads’ mags’ could be at risk of court action because handling the publications may be construed as sex discrimination or sexual harassment, according to protest organisations UK Feminista and Object.

The two groups are backing the Lose the Lads’ Mags campaign, with the founder of UK Feminista Kat Banyard saying they are on the right side of the law.

‘For too long supermarkets have got off the hook, stocking lads’ mags in the face of widespread opposition, but this time we have the law on our side,’ she told the Guardian.




A further letter sent to the newspaper by 11 equal rights lawyers, said there had been previous incidences of employees suing their bosses over being exposed to ‘pornographic’ images.

‘High-street retailers are exposing staff and, in some cases, customers to publications whose handling and display may breach equality legislation,’ they wrote.

‘Displaying lads’ mags and pornographic papers in ‘mainstream’ shops results in the involuntary exposure of staff and, in some cases, customers to pornographic images.’

They urged the retailers to reconsider selling racy material as it may leave them vulnerable to claims.