New duty will tackle sexual harassment

Unions have welcomed news that the government will introduce a new duty on employers to protect staff from sexual harassment at work, with explicit protection from third-party harassment.

But they have warned it must act swiftly to implement the reforms, and the MU musicians’ union is demanding inclusion of protection for freelancers.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady described the proposals as “a victory for years of trade union campaigning”. She said: “No one should face sexual harassment at work, but the shocking reality is that most women have. Employers will now have a legal responsibility to protect their staff from sexual harassment.”

UNISON public services union national women’s officer Josie Irwin said: “The government must now act swiftly to turn words into action, change the law and enforce it.”

And Equity actors’ union president Maureen Beattie commented: “Victims have waited far too long for this already, so I look forward to the government making these changes a priority.”

The proposals also include plans to extend the time limit for bringing cases to an employment tribunal from three to six months.

But the MU said it is disappointed the response did not adequately address those falling outside the scope of the protections of the Equality Act. It has launched a petition to End sexual harassment at work for freelancers too on the Megaphone website.