The end of last year brought in a new legal obligation on employers to proactively take steps to prevent sexual harassment. The change took effect on 26th October 2024 and has been dwarfed in its importance by other changes happening with the Employment Rights Bill. However, employers need to be aware of the implications and their responsibilities to minimise risk. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s has an 8 step guide to preventing sexual harassment.
In addition ACAS has provided advice stating that employers should
- consider the risks of sexual harassment happening in their organisation
- consider steps they could take to reduce the risks of sexual harassment happening
- consider which of those steps are reasonable for them to take
https://www.acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment/steps-for-employers-to-prevent-sexual-harassment
If you need help updating your Anti-Harassment policies, putting a risk assessment in place, or want to know more about the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s 8 step guide to preventing sexual harassment in the workplace please contact us.