John Kirkpatrick, Chief Executive of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:
“Today, the Worker Protection Act will introduce new preventative duties for employers regarding sexual harassment in the workplace. We welcome these vital protections coming into force.
“Sexual harassment continues to be widespread and often under-reported. Everyone has a right to feel safe and supported at work.
“The new preventative duty aims to improve workplace cultures by requiring employers to proactively protect their workers from sexual harassment.
“Employers will need to take reasonable steps to safeguard their workers. We have updated our guidance to ensure they understand their obligations and the kinds of steps they can take.
“We will be monitoring compliance with the new duty and will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.”
Notes to Editors:
- The EHRC has published updated Sexual harassment and harassment at work - technical guidance
- The EHRC has also updated its short 8-step guide for employers on sexual harassment in the work place.
Speak to our press office
If you work in the media, please speak to our press office:
- During office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) please call: 0161 829 8102
- Or email the press office team
- For out of hours please continue to contact 0161 829 8102. Emails are not routinely monitored out of hours.
This phone number is for media enquiries only. For all other queries, please call 0161 829 8100, or email correspondence@equalityhumanrights.com
