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sexual harassment at work – tougher laws 2026

Government’s Employment Rights Act requires employers to take ALL reasonable steps to prevent the sexual harassment of their employees whilst at work. 

Current legislation requires employers to take “reasonable steps”, the Employment Rights Bill aims to change this to “all reasonable steps”

It doesn’t sound that different BUT is a significantly higher benchmark.

In the event of tribunal employers will need to be able to evidence that there was absolutely nothing more they could have done to prevent the abuse.

At present having policies and procedures in place could be deemed reasonable.  To reach the higher bar employers will, as a minimum need to ensure

  • policies and procedures are reviewed and updated. regularly and after any occurrence.
  • staff receive annual training and regular reminders, for example through payslips, newsletters, posters.
  • employee representation groups are in place and they include representatives from minority groups
  • every incident or report is fully investigated and processes tightened to prevent recurrence
  • robust investigation procedures are in place 
  • those tasked with investigation have been trained in robust approach and practice
  • all those involved understand the importance of defensible documentation

Concrew Training offer a range of courses on preventing sexual harassment at work.  We cover everything from developing policies and procedures to training investigators, managers and staff.  Buying training and support from us is way way cheaper than the costs associated with incidents and tribunals and helps evidence that all reasonable steps have been taken.

In the event of tribunal employers need to ensure that there is absolutely nothing more they could have done. 

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what is sexual harassment?

Worker Protection Act Training - Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work

We have issued a short summary that defines sexual harassment. 

 

It is important that those writing policies and procedures, as well as those investigating complaints about sexual harassment can define sexual harassment in a robust and meaningful way. Our summary helps

 

EHRC guidance – preventing sexual harassment at work


Worker Protection Act Training - Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work

September 2024 – The EHRC has published it long awaited guidance on what employers need to do to meet their duty to prevent sexual harassment at work.

The biggest and most important change to previous guidance is the need to carry out robust risk assessments.

The EHRC now say employers are unlikely to comply with the Preventative Duty unless they have carried out robust risk assessments. Read more

Worker Protection Act Training


EHRC logo

A one hour awareness training session for staff on the Worker Protection Act and preventing sexual harassment.

We can deliver this as a generic course or preferably aligned to your inhouse policies and procedures. Read more