Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

New legislation came into force in October 2024 to strengthen protection for workers on sexual harassment.  The Worker Protection (Amendment to Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 places a new duty on employers to take ‘reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment.

Educating and engaging our workforce is an important step to take.  There is an eLearning module on Turas: Sexual harassment for line managers developed by Close the Gap. As the title suggests, it is aimed at line managers first and foremost, but it contains information relevant for all.

We expect further information, specific to NHS Scotland to be issued in spring 2025, when the next suite of national workforce policies are published.  In the meantime, some general information is available as follows:

EHRC updated guidance on preventing sexual harassment and harassment in the workplace can be found at:

• EHRC updated guidance on preventing sexual harassment and harassment in the workplace
• EHRC 8 step guide: Preventing sexual harassment at work
• ACAS guide to what Sexual Harassment is