From 30 October 2026, the legal obligation for employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees, including from third parties, will be expanded and require employers to take “all reasonable steps”.
But what does this extended preventative duty mean in practice, and how can employers ensure they are complying with it?
Why does it matter?
Sexual harassment remains a significant workplace issue. Trade Union Congress (TUC) research indicates that around half of women have experienced sexual harassment in the course of their work, rising to approximately 70% among disabled women and LGBT+ workers. Additionally, around 80% of those subjected to harassment did not report it to their employer.