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ARTICLE · 30 OCTOBER 2024

Changes To The Duty To Prevent Sexual Harassment

King & Spalding
King & Spalding
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The Worker Protection Act, effective October 2024, requires UK employers to take "reasonable steps" to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including third-party harassment, with penalties for noncompliance. The new Employment Rights Bill, currently in debate, proposes additional workplace protections expected by 2026.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Tessa Cranfield
Tessa Cranfield
Marie Hoolihan
Marie Hoolihan

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2020) Act 2023 comes into force on 26 October 2024, introducing a new legal obligation on UK employers to take 'reasonable steps' to prevent sexual harassment at work. In this month's alert, we look at practical steps employers can take to comply with the new duty. 

We also recap the key employment law changes announced on 10 October 2024, with some actions points for employers to think about while the details of these measures are ironed out through parliamentary debate and public consultation. Employers can submit any responses to the Employment Bill consultations, please see the following links:  Zero-Hour Contracts Consultation;  Fire & Rehire and Strengthened Collective Redundancy Rights Consultation;  Statutory Sick Pay Consultation; and  Trade Union Consultation. All consultations are due to close on 2 December 2024.

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