Workplace sexual harassment policy

All employers in the UK must protect their staff from sexual harassment in the workplace. In England, Wales and Scotland, employers must proactively take reasonable steps to prevent it. Although this proactive element doesn't apply in Northern Ireland, employers can still be held liable in the event of sexual harassment if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it.

Employers in the UK can also be held liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment by third parties, e.g. customers.

This policy helps you fulfil both obligations. It's drafted in line with the recommendations and guidance of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), applies to all paid staff in your business. It sets out:

• Information about the policy, including who it's for, its purpose and scope, and how it'll be communicated and implemented
• A policy statement from senior staff
• What sexual harassment (and victimisation) is
• Information about the training staff will receive
• Staff and manager obligations
• How to report breaches (including both informal and formal procedures for resolving complaints)
• The kind of support you may be able to offer
• How you'll monitor sexual harassment and victimisation in the workplace
• The consequences of breaching the policy

We've also included a separate section with practical advice about how to use the policy and meet your obligations.