More than 9,300 claims have been made in the past year, law firm GQ Littler said.

The firm suggested that women are more likely to come forward since the #MeToo movement increased awareness of sexual impropriety.

The hashtag began trending in 2017 and highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment claims.

Hannah Mahon, of GQ Littler, said: “The increase in sex discrimination claims will raise questions over whether employers are doing enough to stamp out inappropriate behaviour in the workplace.

“It’s clear that more needs to be done to eliminate discrimination. However, some rules, such as those that prohibit social interactions between members of the opposite sex, need to be carefully thought through and implemented with care.

“There is a balance to be struck between effective anti-discrimination measures and measures that can marginalise women, for example by excluding them from work-related social activities or making it more difficult for them to have mentoring.”