Millions of employees gain new protections from today (Friday, October 30) as the Government enforces stricter rules on workplace sexual harassment. An amendment to the Employment Rights Act now requires employers to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment of staff before it occurs.
Practical measures could include having a clear reporting policy or training staff on handling difficult situations. The changes also strengthen protections for workers facing harassment from third parties, such as clients and customers, extending beyond colleague-to-colleague cases.
Minister's statement on new protections
Minister for the Future of Work, Kate Dearden, said: "No one should have to put up with sexual harassment. From today, employers must start taking stronger action to protect their staff, listening when people speak up and acting before problems emerge."
She added: "I pay tribute to the campaigners whose tireless work today delivers the raise in standards to make sure everyone, whatever their job, can go to work and feel safe."
Scope of the reforms
With nearly a quarter of adults who experience sexual harassment reporting it takes place in the workplace, the Government says these changes are set to ensure employers think seriously about the risks their staff face. The reforms aim to send a clear message that feeling intimidated, humiliated or unsafe should never be part of anyone's working day.
Protections now apply to harassment from third parties, meaning a passenger harassing a bus driver, a waiter intimidated by diners, or a shop worker dealing with customer abuse will not have such behaviour treated as part of the job.
Government's broader approach
Minister for Women and Equalities, Bridget Phillipson, said: "Too many women are being forced to live smaller lives because of the scourge of misogyny, and that includes in the workplace." She continued: "Strengthening the law to better protect women at work is an essential step as we work to shift attitudes and build a society where women can live freely not cowed by harassment and abuse."
Phillipson also noted: "We're working hand-in-hand with businesses to stamp out misogyny, with our new Misogyny Prevention Fund driving further action through programmes like youth mentoring, workplace training, and nationwide campaigns."
