Duty To Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Since 26 October 2024, a new duty under the Equality Act 2010 requires employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees.

This is not just a one-off exercise, and it’s not enough to simply have a policy and take steps if sexual harassment happens.

Employers must be proactive, assess risks, put in place measures to prevent sexual harassment and continue to monitor these measures.

Failing to comply with the new duty to prevent sexual harassment puts employers at risk of:

• Disruption to employee relations and serious reputational damage.
• Increased compensation - awards in successful sexual harassment claims may rise by 25% if reasonable steps aren’t taken.
• Unlimited financial consequences - there’s no cap on the compensation that can be awarded.

Our specialist employment team provides expert advice and support to help employers navigate these new legal responsibilities, ensure compliance, and safeguard their businesses.

• Our specialist team of employment solicitors is highly recommended in the independent Legal 500 directory and is described as an ‘excellent’ and ‘experienced’ team. Therefore, you can be assured that you will deal with some of the best employment solicitors in the country.
• We are proud to have been recognised as the “Employment Team of the Year” at the prestigious Manchester Legal Awards 2024.
• We provide city centre standards of advice and service levels due to our policy of recruiting only the best specialist employment solicitors from leading firms.
• Your work will be carried out by a qualified employment law solicitor who knows your business requirements best. We also carry out our work at the appropriate level, depending on the complexity, sensitivity, and importance of the employment issue. 
• We work closely with our clients to ensure that we meet their expectations both in terms of their objectives and in relation to costs. Our employment solicitors know that clarity on costs is vitally important to our clients, especially at a time when businesses are challenged by sudden and dramatic changes to economic circumstances.
• We have extensive experience in dealing with a wide range of employers and employment disputes, giving you fast, helpful advice based on knowledge of your business, its history, and pressures.
• We provide a partner-led service and a genuinely accessible team of experienced employment law solicitors due to our size, structure, and unique culture.