This is Not Working

Sexual harassment has no place in the workplace. But it’s still happening every day to people across the UK.

Every day, people across the UK are sexually harassed at work. Research by the TUC has found:

• 1 in 2 women have been sexually harassed at work.
• Over 2 in 3 (68%) LGBT+ workers have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
• 4 out of 5 don’t feel able to report sexual harassment to their employer.

We need a new law to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace before it happens. That’s why Accord has signed a new petition calling for immediate action.

You can join the call for the government to take action by signing the petition here: https://www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/uk-gov-act-to-prevent-sexual-harassment-at-work and you can join in the conversation using #ThisIsNotWorking.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“It’s shocking that in 2019 so many people experience sexual harassment and assault while at work.

“The government must strengthen the law to put responsibility for preventing harassment on employers.

“This would shift the burden of tackling sexual harassment away from individuals. And it would help end toxic workplace cultures that silence those who’ve been harassed.

“We’re calling on everyone who want to stop sexual harassment at work to join us and call on ministers to take action.”

A new, enforceable legal duty requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to protect workers from sexual harassment and victimisation could include:

• Compulsory guidance to explain exactly what employers need to do to prevent harassment — things like mandatory training.
• Ability to report anonymously to the regulator, bypassing workplace environments that leave victims unable to speak out.
• Consequences for employers who don’t comply with the measures,making sure the onus lies not with the individual but with employers.

If you’ve been affected by any of the issues that we’ve discussed here and you want to talk to us confidentially, or if you want to give us any feedback on what’s been happening in your workplace: contact us at equality@accordhq.org