Guidance on sexual harassment and harassment at work
Advice

There's now a guide from the EHRC on sexual harassment at work

Samira Cakali Samira Cakali
2 min read

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has produced an authoritative and “technical” guidance on sexual harassment and harassment at work. The guidance is aimed at employers, workers and their representatives and is intended to help them understand the extent and impact of harassment, the law in this area and best practice for effective prevention and response.

Employers must take reasonable steps

As far as the law is concerned, employers are responsible for ensuring that workers do not face harassment in their workplace and the term “workers” extends beyond those who are employees. Employers are under a duty to take reasonable steps to protect workers and will be liable for harassment committed by other workers if they fail to do so. The guide covers not only sexual harassment but also harassment related to sexuality, race, religion or belief, age and disability.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission guide to sexual harassment at work

The EHRC guide deals in detail with the following areas:

  • What is harassment?
  • What is victimisation?
  • Who is protected?
  • When are employers liable for harassment
  • Harassment by third parties such as customers
  • Harassment by a colleague outside of work
  • Who else can be liable?
  • Preventing harassment
  • How employers should respond
  • Claims in the employment tribunal

Within the guide from the EHRC are actual examples from case law which are real and relevant in a user-friendly and accessible way. The hope is that employers of all sizes and types can take practical steps to eliminate harassment in the workplace.

#MeToo

The #MeToo movement has highlighted the fact that sexual harassment is prevalent in industries as diverse as Hollywood and Westminster and reveals the barriers that many women and men experience in reporting it. It is imperative to remember that all employers are potentially liable regardless of size and resources.

We can provide comprehensive and detailed advice on how to combat harassment and how to devise and implement policies to protect employers from liability. We also have experience in acting for both employees and employers in the employment tribunal.

For further details please contact Paul Grindley on 0113 320 5000 or email your enquiries to PaulG@winstonsolicitors.co.uk.

Client feedback

Fast acting legal firm! From booking an initial consultation to every step in between until agreement is settled - this firm provides first class service. The comfort of having solicitors service without attending office is the new way forward and this company made everything seamlessly possible! I highly recommend this firm as they are specialised in settlement agreements and do exactly as they advertise to do.
Aneta
I recently worked with Dervinder on a matter requiring professional services. Throughout the process, he was consistently responsive, proactive, and professional. He took the time to explain each step clearly and always acted with integrity and care. His communication was excellent, and I felt supported and informed at every stage.Although still a trainee solicitor, Dervinder conducted himself with the assurance and attention to detail of someone far more experienced. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him for anyone seeking professional legal services.
Michael
Winston's supported me with their professional services. They were very swift in responding to my initial enquiry, then very quickly put me in touch with someone with the correct professional experience. They explained every step of the process and made the whole exeriance feel very easy.
Andrew
I have recently worked with Samira and Dervinder, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the service I received. From the very beginning, they were both professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable. They took the time to explain every step of the legal process in clear and understandable terms, and their attention to detail and genuine care for achieving the best possible outcome truly stood out. 10 out of 10!
Joanne
From first contacting Winstons Solicitor, I was really impressed with the care, concern and empathy with which I was met. My subsequent meeting with Samira continued in the same way and I was able to benefit from clear, concise and invaluable professional advice clearly gained from years of experience. Thank you.
Steven
I was happy with the service dervinder Roth provided for me and helped with my anxiety through the 12 month process I had to deal with.
Salman
I'm so glad I found Samira. She went above and beyond to make me feel heard and supported through a really chalenging situation at work. She is very experienced and takes a fair, balanced, and honest approach. I'd highly receommend her to anyone needing support wih workplace issues.
Anonymous
Amazing service from Winston Solicitors. Through my settlement agreement Dervinder explained everything thoroughly and helped understand what it was, what it meant and where changes were needed they sorted this to the timeline that was set. They were proactive and responded to all queries. They were very helpful and would recommend them completely as they explain in understandable terms for someone with limited knowledge of the process Thank you so much all!
Eve
Contact Samira