Sexual harassment
The Equality Act 2010 prohibits three types of sexual harassment in the workplace.
The main type of sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature perpetrated on a particular person, for example unwelcome sexual advances.
Also prohibited is sex-related harassment, which means unwanted conduct related to the protected characteristic of sex. The unwanted conduct does not have to be directed towards the complainant or related to his or her actual sex. This could include telling jokes about women or making derogatory sexist remarks about women.
And less favourable treatment based on a person's rejection of or submission to sex-related harassment or sexual harassment is also unlawful. This could cover circumstances where a woman is rejected for promotion by her boss after turning down his sexual advances.
MoD vows to tackle harassment and bullying in the armed forces
New measures to stamp out the discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in some areas of the armed forces have been...
How employees are using social activism to make their voices heard
With traditional union membership in decline, employees are finding new ways to voice their opposition to corporate decisions, as shown...
Consultation includes protections from third-party sexual harassment
The government has published its consultation on plans to strengthen protections against sexual harassment at work, including harassment from third...
Introduce sexual harassment duties on employers, campaign urges
Unions, women’s rights organisations and charities have increased pressure on the government to make employers responsible for protecting their staff...
Eight per cent of NHS staff sexually harassed in past year
Only a fifth of NHS staff say their employer has implemented a sexual harassment policy, indicating that workers believe it...
Whistleblowing v grievance: how should sexual harassment be raised?
Following high-profile allegations of sexual harassment by staff, employees are now more empowered to speak up about inappropriate behaviour than...
Lloyd’s of London sexual harassment cases multiply
Further evidence of a culture of lewd behaviour at Lloyd's of London emerged this week after an executive was suspended after sending a sexually suggestive email about a female colleague.
Prevent use of NDAs for discrimination and harassment cover-ups, say MPs
Non-disclosure agreements should not be used to prevent employees from discussing allegations of discrimination and harassment with other staff, while...
US study finds men fearing contact with women at work
Male managers may be restricting their work with female colleagues, according to US research.
Amazon investors told to press for better working conditions
Investors have been urged to put pressure on Amazon to improve working conditions at its UK warehouses, following reports that...
Seven in 10 LGBT staff sexually harassed at work
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) staff are facing “shockingly high” levels of sexual harassment and assault, but almost two-thirds...
Four in 10 female lawyers experience sexual harassment
Nearly four in 10 (38%) female lawyers in the UK have been sexually harassed, a report has found, prompting a...
Three quarters of people want less physical contact at work
Three quarters of UK workers (76%) want the amount of physical contact they experience in the workplace reduced, while 42%...
Academics forced to sign NDAs to cover up bullying and harassment allegations
Dozens of academics have been forced to sign non-disclosure agreements to stop bullying, discrimination and sexual misconduct allegations coming out,...
City firm IMF settles sexual harassment case
Nathalie Abildgaard who took on her former employer over sexual harassment has been paid £270,000 ($492,000) by the City firm, which opted to settle just prior to a further legal hearing.
