WORKERS in hotels, bars and restaurants have had food thrown at them by customers and some have suffered sexual harassment, a report revealed today.

Staff complained they were often patronised by rude or boorish customers, especially those working in Scotland and the North West.

A survey of more than 900 workers by hospitality recruitment website caterer.com showed that nine out of 10 had come across condescending customers, and one in 10 had suffered patronising behaviour every day.

Customers often clicked their fingers or whistled to get the attention of staff, the research found.

The more boorish diners threw food at staff, while some hotel receptionists and waiting staff complained of sexual harassment.

One in four male workers said they got their own back by making obnoxious customers wait longer to be served.

Staff at the receiving end were likely to be better qualified than customers believed, the survey said.

Simon Taylorson, commercial director at caterer.com said: "Unfortunately too many customers fail to treat hospitality workers with the courtesy that they deserve."