The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, aimed at strengthening protection for employees, has been confirmed to go ahead with effect from 26 October 2024. The new Act means that employers will have a ‘duty to take reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
Tribunals will be able to increase compensation by up to 25% if they find that an employer has breached their duty. This includes harassment by third parties, with Labour pledging to ‘strengthen the legal duty for employers to take all reasonable steps to stop sexual harassment before it starts’.
To comply with the upcoming duty, employers are required to proactively address harassment through policy implementation, staff education, and training. Establishing or reviewing anti-harassment policies is crucial, emphasising clear definitions, reporting procedures, and consequences for misconduct. Additionally, regular training sessions for all staff, focusing on recognising and reporting harassment, are essential.
In addition to this, managers should receive specialised training on handling harassment complaints promptly and sensitively, leading by example in maintaining a respectful workplace culture. Informing staff about anti-harassment policies and encouraging dialogue can foster awareness and accountability among employees.
At ibex gale, we specialise in conducting investigations into allegations of sexual harassment at work. We understand the sensitivity and the rigour that needs to be applied to investigate such allegations to ensure an environment that is free from harassment and abuse and promote a workplace culture that encourages openness, transparency and learning.
We have been working with a number of organisations to share our knowledge in this area and have developed workshops for HR and ER teams and managers who may be involved in receiving disclosures and / or investigating allegations of sexual harassment. In our workshops we look at the context and climate around this important topic and help people to develop an understanding of trauma informed approaches, whilst conducting a robust and fair investigation.
If you would like to know more about our training, please contact: zwood@ibexgale.com
Author: Zoe Wood, Associate Director
