Member

Although harassment in the workplace could be addressed under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, it is the HSE’s long-standing policy not to intervene where there is a more appropriate regulator or where more directly applicable legislation exists. The protection provided by this regulatory and policy framework overlaps, with the most relevant organisation taking the lead on specific issues. A preventive duty for employers in relation to sexual harassment in the workplace already exists under the Equality Act 2010. A recent amendment to the Act came into force on 26 October 2024, requiring employers to take proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This provision is enforced by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. When harassment offences are committed in the workplace, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 provides the police with the authority to prosecute such offences. Additionally, the EHRC can take action under the Equality Act 2010.