Worker Protection Act 2024: What is it and what does it mean for employers?

This is a new law enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission which means employers need to demonstrate that they are proactively preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.

Two days ago, the Worker Protection Act came into effect.

❓ But what is it and what does it mean for employers?

It means employers now have an anticipatory duty to ➡️ prevent ⬅️ sexual harassment in the workplace.

Employers will have to proactively think about the potential risks in their organisations and take ‘reasonable steps’ to mitigate them, including risks posed by third party harassment (customers, clients, etc).

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is the body responsible for enforcing the new duty.

Why do we need this new law?
➡️ Research demonstrates that half of all women have experienced workplace sexual harassment - half!
➡️ This figure increases for disabled and LGBT+ employees
➡️ 4 in 5 do not report to their employer

🚨 An absence of reporting does not mean there is an absence of sexual harassment or the cultures that enable it 🚨

If you are an organisation concerned about whether your reasonable steps are reasonable enough - do reach out for support.

Hannah

support@accountancyhub.co.uk