In this video independent HR consultant Leone Goodman discusses changes to sexual harassment policies in the UK.
Have you thought about the recent changes to the sexual harassment policy and the fact that the burden of proof is on the employer?
Last year the UK introduced changes to the Worker Protection Act 2023, which came into effect on October 26, 2024. This legislation introduces a new legal duty for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. Now having a policy alone does not suffice.
If you were to be taken to court over a sexual harassment claim, it is likely that you will be asked a few questions including:
- What training have you done?
- What retraining have you done?
- How have you enforced this duty of care?
- Is it in your recruitment policy?
- Is it in your induction of new staff members?
- Have you given line managers refreshers?
This change is something to think about as it means that employers need to be up-to-date and have clear procedures in place for both of them and their staff on how to deal with these situations should they arise. As an experienced HR consultant I will be conducting training in the coming months in this and other areas. If you are interested in taking part and would like to know more about how you can have the correct policies and procedures in place in your work environment then please get in touch today.