Worker Protection Bill passes

Community Union welcomes the passage of the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Bill through Parliament.

This legislation creates a ‘preventative duty’ on employers to prevent sexual harassment from happening in their workplaces. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission will be able to take enforcement action for a breach or suspected breach of the duty, while the employer’s duty will be enforceable by the employment tribunal in individual cases.

Community Union’s Head of Equalities Jennifer Dean said:

“I am delighted that the Worker Protection Bill has finally passed through the house of lords and will become law before the end of the year. Sexual harassment is a serious problem and when we surveyed our members this year, the response was shocking, with over 54% of members saying they had experienced sexual harassment in their workplaces.

“This is completely unacceptable, and outdated, insidious workplace cultures that allow sexual harassment to thrive must be challenged and defeated. Community has been proud to work together with Wera Hobbhouse MP and the This is Not Working Alliance to ensure this vital legislation comes into force.

“The WPB will mean that there are greater protections for workers and that employers now need to stop ignoring the problems and pull their socks up. Sexual harassment is preventable and employers need to place the safety of workers at the top of their priorities and implement preventative measures to ensure that their workers do not experience sexual harassment when they are working.”