From 26 October 2024 there is now a legal duty for you as an employer to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023. If there is an allegation of sexual harassment in your business you’ll have to demonstrate that you proactively took ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent it from happening. So what does this involve?
- Conducting risk assessments specific to your workplace.
- Implementing clear and updated policies on sexual harassment.
- Providing mandatory training to managers and all staff on identifying and preventing harassment.
- Encouraging a culture of reporting and openness.
- Regularly surveying staff to assess risks and concerns.
What happens if you don’t act now? If the case goes to an employment tribunal and you are found to have failed in your legal duty to prevent sexual harassment, the compensation awarded to the complainant could be increased by up to 25%.
You could also find yourself being investigated by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
According to The Fawcett Society, a membership charity which campaigns for women’s rights, 40% of women experienced sexual harassment in the workplace in 2023. These statistics are alarming.
Therefore, you NEED to act now to ensure that you’re taking all reasonable steps and that you are protected if you are taken to an employment tribunal.
We’re here to help you with this and can work with your business to help put these steps in place.
