Worker Protection Act commenced 26th October 2024
UK employers now face legal action for non-compliance.
The legislation was established to help prevent sexual harassment in the work place, all UK employers will face legal consequences and fines if they do not comply.
Be compliant for as little as £69.00 per month*
The Worker Protection Act introduces a legal obligation for employers to take proactive, reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work. This represents the most significant change to the Equalities Act in decades.
The Employment Rights Bill, recently announced by Labour, strengthens this requirement, making it an explicit duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. This highlights the urgent need for employers to start preparing now.
To comply with the new legislation, you must assess and address key areas of your organisation. This includes ensuring leadership is aligned, reviewing policies, refining reporting and monitoring procedures, investigating and resolving complaints swiftly and effectively, and fostering a workplace culture where sexual harassment is clearly understood, and employees feel safe to speak out.
This is not a tick-box exercise. It's about adopting a tailored, proportionate approach that reflects the unique needs and risks within your organisation. Failure to do so could expose you to significant legal risk.
The Worker Protection Act 2023 offers businesses a chance to strengthen their workplace standards and reinforce existing policies, such as those concerning whistleblowing. By actively working to meet the new legal requirements, businesses can foster a safer, more respectful atmosphere for their employees.