A new study highlights a critical gap in awareness among UK businesses regarding impending legal changes to workplace sexual harassment policies.
- Nearly half of UK businesses and HR professionals are not aware of the Worker Protection Act set to enforce next month.
- Despite its importance, only 39% of businesses feel prepared for these changes, indicating widespread unpreparedness.
- Existing policies are lacking, with one-third of organisations operating without formal anti-harassment measures.
- The challenges to implementing changes include poor communication and entrenched behaviours.
A recent study by Culture Shift has revealed a surprising lack of awareness amongst UK businesses about the forthcoming Worker Protection Act. Nearly 45% of businesses and HR professionals surveyed were unaware of this significant amendment. The Act, which aims to tackle sexual harassment in the workplace, is set to become law next month, placing a new duty on employers to protect their employees.
Despite awareness of its importance, only 39% of respondents reported that their organisations were ‘very prepared’ to meet these new legal requirements. This gap highlights a significant challenge for companies to quickly align with the law before it takes effect.
Culture Shift’s findings further show that a third of businesses still operate without formal anti-harassment policies, a stark contrast to expectations set by the EHRC in 2017. This lack of formal mechanisms leaves organisations vulnerable to legal repercussions and potential reputational damage.
Gemma McCall, CEO at Culture Shift, emphasised the need for organisations to bridge the gap between perceived readiness and actual preparedness. According to McCall, “there is a disconnect between perceptions of readiness and actual levels of preparedness for the introduction of the Worker Protection Act.”
Barriers to implementing these changes are substantial. 93% of businesses acknowledge such hurdles, with nearly half citing inadequate communication and over a third pointing to ingrained workplace behaviours as persistent obstacles.
Moreover, while an effective reporting system is acknowledged by 85% of respondents as beneficial, only 59% have such systems in place. Even where systems exist, there is scepticism about their efficacy; half of the businesses question the quality of information they receive.
As the October 2024 implementation date approaches, the urgency for businesses to act becomes paramount. Implementing comprehensive policies and robust reporting mechanisms will be essential in creating safer work environments and mitigating liabilities.
With the Worker Protection Act imminent, UK businesses must urgently enhance their policies to prevent workplace sexual harassment effectively.
