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From October 2024, employers will need to comply with a new duty to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of employees. This follows the passing of the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023.
From October 2024, changes to the Equality Act 2010 will place a greater responsibility on employers to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Under the Worker Protection Act, businesses will be legally required to take 'reasonable steps' to safeguard employees.
The Worker Protection Act is an amendment to the existing Equality Act 2010. From the 26th of October 2024, The Worker Protection Act will introduce a statutory duty for employers to take necessary steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This amendment means that employers are now required to implement proactive measures, including updating workplace policies, providing regular training, and establishing clear reporting procedures.
Under the new law, employers are required to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of their workers in the course of their employment. This preventative duty means that employers should not wait for an incident to occur before taking action. Failure to comply with the new preventative duty has significant consequences. If a tribunal finds that an employer has breached this duty in a successful sexual harassment claim, it can increase the compensation awarded to the employee by up to 25%.
While no official guidance has been published to explain the action that needs to be taken to demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to prevent sexual harassment, organisations such as CIPD and the Equality and Human Rights Commission have offered guidance to help businesses on the subject.
Reasonable steps that businesses can take include:
Employers will soon be legally required to provide regular staff training to ensure that they understand what sexual harassment is and their role in preventing/addressing it.
Our CPD-accredited course on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace equips businesses with the knowledge they need to help eliminate risks and create a positive work environment for everyone.
Book today or email enquiries@theaimgroup.co.uk to find out more.