Update the Health and Safety at Work Act to be gender neutral

72
signatures
closedDepartment for Work and PensionsOpened 8 January 2025Closed 8 July 2025

Background

I believe this law uses outdated gendered language like “his employees”, and that it should be updated to be more inclusive as it applies to everyone regardless of their gender. I believe updating this language would reflect the UK’s commitment to fairness, equality, and respect for all workers.

Additional details

By replacing words like “his” with “their,” I think the Government can encourage a sense of respect and belonging for all. As the Employment Rights Bill will aim to strengthen measures on sexual harassment prevention, many are shocked to see how exclusionary this language remains in the Health and Safety at Work Act. I believe updating the Act would be a meaningful step towards greater inclusivity.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 705328.