The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has published guidance for employers in relation to the new duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which came into force on 26 October 2024. The guidance includes a checklist, action plan and monitoring logs.
This new guidance builds on the EHRC’s earlier technical guidance on sexual harassment and workplace harassment, as well as an eight-step guide for employers, both of which were released ahead of the new duty’s implementation.
An employer should consider who will use the checklist, for example managers or supervisors, and how staff can be supported to best use it through training and awareness campaigns.
The action plan helps employers integrate the checklist into everyday practices. This may include matters such as updating policies, raising awareness and supporting staff to use the checklist at the correct times. The EHRC suggests that a monitoring log should also be completed after each shift to help monitor how the checklist is being used and log any changes that may be needed, with a more in-depth log every quarter to assist with monitoring the effectiveness of the employer’s approach.
At MLR, we can help you to meet your obligations under the New Duty by offering:-
- A template sexual harassment risk assessment and guidance on tailoring this to your organisation;
- A template Sexual Harassment Policy; and
- Training for managers and staff on how to comply with the new duty
