UK employers face tougher harassment prevention duty
A higher bar from 30 October
Employers in the UK must now take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their staff, under stronger protections that took effect on Friday 30 October 2026 as part of the Employment Rights Act. The previous duty required “reasonable steps”; the new wording raises the bar and puts the emphasis on prevention before harassment happens, rather than on dealing with it afterwards.
The change also strengthens protections for workers facing harassment from third parties, such as clients and customers, not only from colleagues. GOV.UK gives examples including a passenger harassing a bus driver, a waiter intimidated by diners, and a shop worker dealing with abuse from customers. The government says the changes will benefit more than 18 million workers, and that nearly a quarter of adults who experience sexual harassment report that it takes place in the workplace.
What employers are expected to do
Minister for the Future of Work Kate Dearden said employers must start taking stronger action, listening when people speak up and acting before problems emerge. Minister for Women and Equalities Bridget Phillipson linked the change to wider work to stamp out misogyny, including the new Misogyny Prevention Fund. More detailed guidance is due to be published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission.
For employers, the practical question is what “all reasonable steps” looks like in their own workplace: risk assessments, clear policies, training for managers, and a reporting route that staff trust. The duty is preventive, so an employer that waits for a complaint before acting is likely to fall short of the new test.
Union rights start the same day
The same GOV.UK announcement notes that new measures to support workplace dialogue also start from 30 October, with trade unions gaining strengthened rights for representatives and stronger rights to access workplaces and secure recognition. The two changes arrive together as part of the same phase of employment reform.
Sources: GOV.UK | Acas | Personnel Today
