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.
Managers sweep harassment under the carpet, says CIPD report
Almost a quarter of employees believe that – despite the rise of movements such as #MeToo – bullying and harassment...
Workers speaking up over sexual misconduct at law firms
Sexual misconduct complaints and cases rise sharply as #MeToo wields influence.
Sexual harassment victims urged to help shape policy
Minister for women Victoria Atkins (pictured) launches bid to gauge scale and nature of workplace sexual harassment.
EHRC issues new guidance on dealing with sexual harassment
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has issued new guidance on dealing with sexual harassment at work.
In a letter...
Highways England driver harassed before job began wins £74k
An ex-Highways England driver has been awarded almost £74,000 in compensation by an employment tribunal after she was harassed by...
Lloyd’s of London staff urged to behave during Christmas party season
Lloyd’s of London has urged its own staff and those of its members to behave correctly at this year’s Christmas...
Top 10 HR questions November 2019: IR35, Christmas parties and PILON
Pending a review announced by chancellor Sajid Javid, reforms to the IR35 rules are due to be extended to the...
PwC cracks down on office drinking
Consulting firm PwC has introduced new rules around when and where employees can drink alcohol in the office.
Under the...
Supreme Court hears final Barclays appeal in sexual harassment case
Supreme Court hears final appeal in significant vicarious liability case with a verdict expected in February.
Embassy secretary awarded £400,000 for ‘spiteful’ sex discrimination
Employment tribunal awards £400,000 to former Qatari Embassy secretary who was subjected to a campaign of sexual harassment and discrimination.
Hotel sector failing to protect ‘vulnerable workforce’ from modern slavery
Only 18 of 71 global hotel firms operating in the UK have met the minimum requirements of the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Lloyd’s launches campaign against harassment
Lloyd’s of London has launched an advertising campaign to encourage workers to speak up against unacceptable behaviour, after a survey...
Action on gender pay gap has accelerated across Europe
More action is taking place on pay equality in Europe compared with the US, according to a recent survey, although US firms are more proactive when it comes to sexual harassment.
Whistleblower’s treatment leads to tribunal case against Lloyds of London firm
A whistleblower alleges he has been subjected to a campaign questioning his motivations and mental health.
What needs to change before we can close the gender pay gap
Headline-grabbing proposals can only take us so far. Cultural shifts and changes in shared leave, maternity and paternity benefits are needed before we can truly get to grips with the gender pay gap.
