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ARTICLE · 14 APRIL 2025

Preventing Sexual Harassment: Are You Doing Enough?

Travers Smith LLP
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A new duty to prevent sexual harassment came into force in the UK October 2024, which requires employers to take various proactive steps to protect their staff.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Tim Gilbert
Tim Gilbert
Siân Keall
Siân Keall
Ed Mills
Ed Mills
Ailie Murray
Ailie Murray
Adam Wyman
Adam Wyman
Author LinkedIn connections

A new duty to prevent sexual harassment came into force in the UK October 2024, which requires employers to take various proactive steps to protect their staff. Below, we summarise what you need to know, and how to comply with the new duty.

Sexual harassment

As of 26 October 2024, employers in the UK are under a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. If an employer fails to do so, and an employee succeeds in a claim of sexual harassment, then compensation will be increased by up to 25%.

Also, regardless of whether any sexual harassment claim is brought, the duty is enforceable by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which may require employers to prepare and develop an action plan. The EHRC has published revised technical guidance on sexual harassment and harassment at work, as well as an eight-step guide on preventing sexual harassment, which set out the steps employers should take to comply with the duty.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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