Workplace sexual harassment is a pervasive issue in our society. In the past decade, the global "#MeToo" and “Time’s Up” movements have raised awareness of the issue, spotlighting egregious cases. In response, the new Workers Protection Act 2023, set to take effect on October 26, 2024, aims to address this pervasive issue by encouraging employers to create safer and more inclusive work environments.
The Act introduces a new anticipatory legal duty on UK employers. For the first time, UK employers will have a clear anticipatory duty to actively prevent and address sexual harassment. Employers who fail to take reasonable steps to shield employees from sexual harassment will face penalties, including up to a 25 percent increase in compensation awards if a tribunal finds them negligent in protecting their staff.
Sexual harassment, as defined under Section 26 of the Equality Act 2010, encompasses “any unwanted sexual conduct that undermines the recipient's dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive work environment.” Despite existing laws, harassment remains alarmingly common in UK workplaces, with disabled individuals, racially minoritised women, and young women experiencing disproportionately high rates of such behaviour. Additionally, a staggering 85% of people who experienced workplace sexual harassment in the last 12 months did not report it according to a 2020 Government report.
The implications of sexual harassment extend beyond individual impact, compromising overall safety and signalling broader issues of gender inequality and sexism in the workplace. As the new legislation comes into force, it represents a crucial step toward creating a work culture where every employee can thrive, free from harassment.
If you are interested in learning more about this issue, training provider Rise for Change invites employers to attend their free ‘Workplace Sexual Harassment’ Lunch & Learn session on 24 October 2024, 1pm-1.30pm.
This webinar will cover:
- The background to the new Worker’s Protection Act
- The new duty for employers
- The launch of their new training that will be available to employers to ensure they are effectively preventing and responding to Workplace Sexual Harassment.
To sign up, please complete this form.
For questions, please contact r4c@hopeafterharm.org.uk
Published September 2024
