From October 2024, employers in the UK will have a new legal duty under the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act – and it's one that managers, business owners and HR teams can’t afford to ignore.
Under this new law, employers must take proactive, reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment from happening in the workplace. It’s not enough to simply have a policy or respond after an incident. The focus now is on prevention.
So, what does this mean in practice?
A shift in responsibility
Until now, the legal burden often fell on individuals to prove they were harassed. The new Act shifts the focus to employer accountability. If your organisation hasn’t taken reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, you could face legal consequences; even if no formal complaint has been made.
The message is clear: preventing sexual harassment is not optional.
What are reasonable steps?
There’s no fixed checklist, but reasonable steps might include:
Delivering regular and meaningful training for all staff
Ensuring managers understand how to spot and deal with inappropriate behaviour
Reviewing and updating policies and procedures
Creating a safe culture where concerns can be raised confidently
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) will have new powers to enforce compliance; so waiting until something goes wrong simply isn’t a risk worth taking.
Are you confident your business is compliant?
At The Education Management Group (EMG), we’ve designed a practical, engaging and essential training session for organisations who want to protect their people and comply with the new law.
💡 Preventing Sexual Harassment: Essential Training on the New Worker Protection Act
Our expert-led workshop, which is just £49 per person, covers:
What the new legislation means for your organisation
Real-life scenarios to help managers and staff spot unacceptable behaviour early
How to take meaningful action to prevent harassment
What “reasonable steps” really look like
How to build a culture of respect and trust at work
Delivered in person or via Zoom, this course is designed for managers, business owners and HR teams who want clear, actionable guidance; not just legal jargon.
Why choose The EMG?
✅ Trusted by over 200 organisations
✅ Practical, no-nonsense training delivered by experts
✅ Customisable sessions for your team’s needs
✅ Certification provided as evidence of training
✅ Endorsed by The EMG: we are known for quality and compliance
Book now or contact us find out more!
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