Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
Bosses could face action if they fail to prevent workplace sexual harassment

BOSSES could face enforcement action from the equalities regulator if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment as a new law comes into force next month.

The legislation introduces a preventative duty on employers to stop workplace harassment, instead of relying on employees to report incidents.

The Worker Protection Act, due to come in on October 26, is aimed at improving workplace cultures and preventing sexual harassment.

Previously, there was no proactive legal obligation for employers to take steps to prevent sexual harassment at work.

Protections in the legislation were watered down, with Tory peers in the Lords raising concerns about free speech and employers becoming at risk of costly lawsuits.

Plans to make employers liable for harassment of their employees were struck out and measures insisting employers take every reasonable step to prevent sexual harassment were also weakened.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published new guidance today ahead of the legislation, saying this will help employers understand their duties.

The EHRC also has powers under the new law to act where there is evidence employers have failed to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said that women are experiencing sexual harassment and abuse “on an industrial scale,” with essential front-line workers facing it regularly.

He said that the incoming Act was won by unions, saying: “This is an important step towards making workplaces safer for workers, particularly women. But more needs to be done. 

“Employers must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination.

“We need stronger workplace rights to protect all staff from abuse at work including more robust protections from harassment from customers, clients or any third party.”

Fawcett Society head of policy Alesha De Freitas said: “There is no doubt that employers must do more to tackle sexual harassment at work and that’s why we campaigned so hard, alongside our members, for the Act to become law.

“For too long perpetrators have been able to hide because of workplace cultures that enable harassment and collude in cover-ups.”

Ms De Freitas said that the law is a “big step forward” and a “testament to the power”of campaigners.

“We will continue to campaign to strengthen the law, and enforcement, until working cultures that allow sexual harassment to thrive are consigned to the history books,” she said.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
People take part in a demonstration at Trafalgar Square in London in support of Palestine Action,  June 23, 2025
Britain / 23 June 2025
23 June 2025

Home Secretary Cooper confirms plans to ban the group and claims its peaceful activists ‘meet the legal threshold under the Terrorism Act 2000’

President Donald Trump speaks as a flag pole is installed on the South Lawn of the White House, June 18, 2025, in Washington
Iran-Israel War / 18 June 2025
18 June 2025

US president says his nation might join forces with Israel in attacking Iran

California Highway Patrol officers arrest two men after a dispersal order during a protest, June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles
United States / 18 June 2025
18 June 2025
Palestinians children mourn over the body of their father, Mohammed Ghaben, who was killed while heading to an aid distribution hub, during his funeral in Gaza City, June 18, 2025
Gaza / 18 June 2025
18 June 2025
Similar stories
TUC Racial Discrimination and Equality Conference ’24 / 4 December 2024
4 December 2024
A woman showing signs of depression (picture posed by a mode
Britain / 23 October 2024
23 October 2024