Employers now required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment

From 26 October 2024, employers were given a new legal duty to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of employees.

This duty requires employers to anticipate when sexual harassment may occur and take reasonable steps to prevent it. If sexual harassment has already taken place, then an employer would need to take action to stop it from happening again.

It is not possible for an individual to make a claim against their employer for failing to take preventative action. However, if they successfully bring a sexual harassment claim, the employment tribunal will automatically consider whether the employer failed in its duty to prevent the harassment from happening. If they find that the employer was negligent then they can order an uplift in the compensation paid to the employee.

ACAS have provided guidance to employers on what to do, including advising on things that should be included in a sexual harassment policy.

To review the guidance, see: www.acas.org.uk/sexual-harassment