New Sexual Harassment Rules. Employers are being urged to take note of new rules around sexual harassment in the workplace.
Experts at Swindon-based HR Dept say the Worker Protection Act, coming into force in October, places the onus on employers taking steps to prevent sexual harassment. This is a change from before, when the emphasis was on redress, rather than prevention.
The aim of the act
The aim of the Act is to increase protection against sexual harassment in the workplace. Employers must comply with their new duty. It’s on them to ensure they’re taking ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.
Most employers have policies in place about harassment. But this will no longer be enough to meet the new obligations,’ said Helen Imbusi. Helen works as an HR Consultant at the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire, and East Cotswolds. “We recommend employers take steps now to ensure they are compliant.’
The HR Dept’s recommendations include:
- Reviewing current policies and procedures to ensure they’re robust and easy to follow
- Also providing training, so managers understand how to identify and deal with sexual harassment
- And helping employees understand what constitutes sexual harassment. And how to report any incidents.
Helen added: ‘If a staff member makes a complaint, managers need to investigate and take appropriate action. We’d also recommend examining the culture of a business. That will identify any areas ripe for improvement.’
Employees won’t be able to make a claim solely under the new Act. But if there’s an existing claim, any further breach under the Act will be an aggravating factor.
In the event of an employer breaching the Act, employment tribunals will be able to increase compensation to the employee by up to 25%.
Where there are many forms of harassment claimed, the uplift will apply to all compensation awarded for the claim, not the sexual harassment element alone.
Helen added: ‘It’s clear it’s important to put measures in place to prevent sexual harassment taking place. Where it does, and a successful claim is made, then this could be costly to the employer.’
For help and advice
For advice about dealing with the Worker Protection Act and more information about the HR Dept Swindon, North Wiltshire and East Cotswolds, visit https://www.hrdept.co.uk/swindon-north-wiltshire-east-cotswolds/
Or email helen.imbusi@hrdept.co.uk or call 01793 683 398.
I think I avoided sexual harassment at work by being thoroughly scary and probably giving off vibes that it wasn’t worth the trouble to try things on. But I could be wrong – maybe I just looked too much like the back of a bus. However, to be serious, no-one should be subjected to unwanted advances and if the new legislation gets rid of harassment, I’ll be delighted. No-one should feel unsafe in the workplace.
It’s staggering to think that this stuff goes on in the 21st century! I often feel we’ve not moved very far.