Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment toolkit
Access a comprehensive set of guidance, templates and training materials to get your co-operative compliant with the legally required 'reasonable steps' for preventing sexual harassment.
The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2024 places a positive legal duty on all employers to take active, preventative steps to eliminate sexual harassment at work.
This means businesses of all sizes must be able to demonstrate the actions they are taking to prevent workplace sexual harassment.
When a business receives a complaint from an employee of workplace sexual harassment – and fails to demonstrate it took 'reasonable steps' to prevent it – it will face serious consequences, including potentially significant financial penalties.
Why it matters for employers
Failing to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment can result in:
- Financial loss: an increase of up to 25% in the compensation costs for harassment-related claims
- Poor employee morale: poor workplace culture impacts retention, trust and engagement
- Reputational damage: scrutiny from the media, stakeholders and regulators
- Regulatory investigation: The EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission) is empowered to investigate and issue compliance notices
To support your co-op in complying with the Worker Protection Act, Co-operatives UK has developed a comprehensive Preventing Workplace Sexual Harassment Toolkit, which includes:
- In-depth advice and guidance
- Template anti-sexual harassment policy
- Risk assessment and action plan templates
- A short training course that members can use to up-skill colleagues
The toolkit is £300 + VAT for Co-operatives UK members. For more information, or to purchase the product, email [email protected]
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