Under a new law coming into effect later this week, employers in the UK will be expected to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, as reported by the Financial Times.
Under the legislation — called the "Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023" — employers must take "proactive and reasonable steps" to protect staff from abuse. These obligations extend beyond the office to official training sessions and company-sponsored social events.
If employers fail to act, consequences could be severe. Firms that do not take "reasonable steps" may face increased payouts for sexual harassment claims brought against them in the UK's Employment Tribunal. Additionally, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has the authority to bring related enforcement action.
Questions remain as to what "reasonable steps" entail. “A one size fits all approach will not work,” Eversheds Sutherlands Partner Naeema Choudry told the FT, emphasizing the importance of updating policies, conducting risk assessments, and providing tailored training.
However, as Starling Founder & CEO Stephen Scott argues in a recent Weekend Reading article, a focus on policy and process alone is unlikely to change the culture driving employee misconduct. Rather, he urges leaders to attend to the factors that ultimately decide whether their reforms are successful: their people, presumptions, and practices. ▸ Read More
Join The Discussion