Supporting victims of sexual harassment and victimisation at work

Was H sexually harassed by her colleague and victimised because she complained?

An employee brought a grievance against her manager for sexual harassment, alleging that she had been the target of various offensive remarks of a sexual nature. The grievance was not properly investigated by the employer. The employee’s manager subsequently instigated disciplinary proceedings against her that resulted in her suspension without pay. The employee believed this to be because she had previously raised a grievance about him.

This case comes within our work priority aim where people in Britain have equal access to the labour market and are treated fairly at work.

We provided legal assistance.

This case settled before it reached tribunal.

40% of women across the UK say that they have experienced workplace harassment. Official reports show much lower numbers though. This under-reporting is believed to be down to a lack of support for those who do make complaints, poor workplace processes for addressing complaints, and fears about the consequences of making complaints. 

We must make clear that all employers have a duty of care to protect their workers and will be legally liable for sexual harassment in the workplace if they have not taken reasonable steps to prevent it. Supporting cases like this is a key part of that work.