20 March 2025
As of 26 October 2024, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act) Act 2023 places a new, positive duty on employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment.
So, what does this actually mean?
Well, simply having a policy in place won’t be enough anymore.
Business owners now have a responsibility to show that they’re actively working to prevent harassment or risk facing serious legal and reputational consequences.
Is your firm ready to prove it’s doing enough?
You would hope that instances of sexual harassment in the workplace would have finally eased off now that we’re in 2024.
Sadly, this isn’t the case. According to the Trades Union Congress (TUC), approximately 52 per cent of women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Meanwhile, a BBC report revealed that 18 per cent of men have also reported encountering unwanted sexual behaviours at work.
These alarming statistics show exactly why this new law, which demands action, is so desperately needed.
What do you need to do to be compliant?
Risk assessments, policies, an inclusive culture, and a clear, strong complaints process are a start, but regular training is essential to ensure your team truly understands how to prevent harassment.
Do your team feel comfortable enough to come forward about their experiences? Do they know the reporting processes? Do they know that workplace harassment includes instances where third parties are involved? Do they even know what classifies as sexual harassment?
Educating your staff on all of the above and more is essential if you want to be a part of the mission to bring these statistics down.
Without a proactive approach, your firm could be exposed to costly legal risks and long-lasting damage to your reputation.
Why choose online sexual harassment training from The Professional Alternative?
At The Professional Alternative, we’re experts in delivering training that’s practical, engaging, and most importantly, relevant to your needs.
Our brand-new three-module certificated training course is designed to ensure your firm is fully prepared for the Worker Protection Act 2023 and equipped to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
Along with practical tools such as key resources, real-world case studies, and example risk assessments, our course provides the essential knowledge your team needs to recognise, understand, and address harassment before it becomes a bigger issue.
The course is available on our easy-to-use eLearning platform, giving your employees the flexibility to access the training whenever it suits them best.
Assess and take steps to reduce risk in your workplace today!
It’s time to take the first step in protecting your workforce and complying with the new legislation.
It’s not enough to be reactive, you need to be proactive.
If you would like to learn more about our course, you can find the details here.