Sexual harassment code to be brought in after bosses fail to tackle issues in the workplace, Government pledges
Figures show more than half of women have been harassed at work but only one in five report it
A SEXUAL harassment code in the workplace will be drawn up to combat the “failure” of employers to tackle it, the Government confirmed yesterday.
A draft code is expected by mid-2019 after figures showed more than half of women have been harassed at work but only one in five reports it.
But campaigners and MPs warned it was only the “first step” and the law must also be changed to protect victims.
Ministers will work with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to develop a code of practice to make clear what actions employers must take to “fulfil their legal responsibilities”.
It follows a report from the influential Woman and Equalities committee to force employers to protect workers from victimisation and harassment at their work.
In a statement yesterday the Government confirmed a package of 12 announcements - including better regualtion of non-disclosure agreements - or NDAs.
Last night committee chair Maria Miller MP said she welcomed ministers “waking up” and agreeing to the code.
But she added: “They have missed the opportunity to place a greater onus on employers to protect workers from harassment and to increase sanctions for poor practice.
"Just keeping an eye on how employment tribunals respond to the new code is inadequate.
“Employers need to know that they face severe penalties if they don’t do enough to protect their staff from harassment and victimisation.”
Mrs Miller also criticised the Government over the time taken to report back, saying: “Forty per cent of women say they have experienced unwanted sexual behaviour in the workplace. With this unacceptable statistic in mind, the Government should not have taken five months to respond.”
TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady also said ministers were not going far enough.
She said: “The law should be changed so that employers are responsible for preventing sexual harassment in workplaces. This would shift the burden of tackling sexual harassment away from the victims.
“And it would help end toxic workplace cultures that silence those who’ve been harassed.”
Rebecca Hilsenrath of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, added: “This is a critical first step towards realising everyone’s right to a safe working environment.
“Every single one of us deserves an employer who doesn’t dismiss or trivialise sexual harassment, and who supports us to realise our full potential.
“Our new statutory code of practice will set out clear advice to help employers do this.
"However, to achieve real change, there also needs to be a mandatory enforceable duty on employers to protect their staff from harassment and victimisation.”
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Minister for Women Victoria Atkins said: “Sexual harassment at work is illegal, but sadly that disgusting behaviour is something that many women still experience today.
“We are taking action to make sure employers know what they have to do to protect their staff, and people know their rights at work and what action to take if they feel intimidated or humiliated.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe at work.”
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