The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into force on 26th October 2024 and introduced new protections against sexual harassment. It’s now crucial for employers in the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors to understand their new responsibilities under this legislation. The new protections reinforce the duty of businesses to take proactive measures against sexual harassment in the workplace.
What Does the New Act Require?
The changes introduce a “preventative duty,” requiring employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. This responsibility extends not only to interactions among employees but also to safeguarding against harassment by third parties, such as clients and customers. Businesses must actively assess risks and implement effective measures to create a safe working environment.
Non-compliance can lead to serious consequences. Employers who fail to meet these obligations may face:
- Legal liabilities: Employees can seek compensation if they prove the employer’s lack of reasonable steps, with tribunals able to increase awards by up to 25%.
- Financial penalties: The Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) can enforce compliance and impose fines, regardless of whether an incident of harassment has occurred.
- Reputational damage: Failing to address harassment can erode trust among employees and customers, impacting morale and increasing turnover rates.
Why Prepare Now?
A recent study revealed that 45% of business leaders are unaware of the new legislation, which could lead to costly non-compliance. Proactive steps are essential to understand and meet these requirements. The Act not only aims to prevent harassment but also encourages employers to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.
Introducing the Sexual Harassment Compliance Bundle from Shield Safety
To help businesses in the hospitality, retail and leisure sectors understand and comply with the new regulations, Shield Safety offers a tailored sexual harassment compliance bundle. Our bundle includes:
- A sexual harassment assessment form: This comprehensive tool enables businesses to evaluate their policies and track compliance effectively.
- Ten licenses for the sexual harassment CPL eLearning course: This professional training easily equips managers and staff with the knowledge to understand and implement the new requirements.
- Record allegations of sexual harassment on the Helpline module (This feature will soon be released soon): It will allow you to record allegations of sexual harassment on the Helpline module via the Incidents case type. Any allegations can then be tracked with actions recorded and these can be included in reporting figures collated from the data export.
Benefits of the Bundle
By investing in our bundle, you can:
- Strengthen your compliance efforts: Ensure your business meets the new legal requirements and avoid potential penalties.
- Protect your team: Create a safer and more respectful working environment for your employees.
- Avoid financial penalties: Stay ahead of the regulations and prevent costly fines.
- Enhance your reputation: Demonstrate your commitment to a safe and inclusive workplace, which can improve employee morale and reduce turnover.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Equip your business with the necessary tools to comply with the Worker Protection Act and create a safer workplace for everyone – Sexual Harassment Bundle
