{"id":35925,"date":"2024-10-04T08:24:03","date_gmt":"2024-10-04T08:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intoo.com\/uk\/?p=35925"},"modified":"2024-10-07T15:36:09","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T15:36:09","slug":"time-is-running-out-for-employers-to-comply-with-new-sexual-harassment-prevention-laws","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intoo.com\/uk\/time-is-running-out-for-employers-to-comply-with-new-sexual-harassment-prevention-laws\/","title":{"rendered":"Time is running out for employers to comply with new sexual harassment prevention laws"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With just weeks to go before the introduction of new sexual harassment prevention laws on October 26, employers are being urged to act swiftly.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

As several high-profile workplace harassment cases continue to make headlines, RSM UK warns that businesses must take all necessary steps to protect employees and ensure compliance with the Worker Protection Act.<\/p>\n

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The new legislation mandates employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Failure to do so could result in unlimited compensation<\/a> claims from employees at employment tribunals, along with enforcement action from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The EHRC\u2019s updated sexual harassment guidance, released on September 26, underscores the importance of assessing risks, taking preventative action, and regularly reviewing workplace policies.<\/p>\n

Charlie Barnes, head of employment legal services at RSM UK, emphasised the importance of employer responsibility: \u201cIt\u2019s imperative that employers are fully aware of the new law and take their responsibility to protect employees seriously. Sexual harassment is extremely distressing, and no business wants its employees to suffer in this way. For the employers, if sexual harassment is found to be endemic and widespread, this has serious legal, financial, and reputational implications. It\u2019s in everyone\u2019s best interests to ensure that the necessary steps are taken now to eradicate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The issue is particularly acute in the financial services sector, where the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is cracking down on misconduct. A Treasury Committee report from March 2024, titled Sexism in the City<\/em>, revealed that harassment in the industry ranges from microaggressions, such as exclusion from meetings and inappropriate comments, to criminal acts including assault and rape.<\/p>\n

To help businesses prepare for the new laws, RSM UK advises employers to:<\/h2>\n