It's All About People - 6th June 2025

READ TIME - 4 minute read

Since the new legal duty came in last October, there has been a sharp rise in sexual harassment complaints and sex discrimination claims.

📈 ACAS reports a 6.2% increase in sexual harassment complaints since October 2024
📈 Sex discrimination claims at employment tribunal are up over 12%
📈 The EHRC has begun formal investigations into multiple employers for failing to prevent harassment

This is serious—and the consequences are very real.

But behind the statistics are people. Employees who go home after work feeling ashamed, stressed, or scared. Partners and families who notice a loved one become quieter, more withdrawn, or on edge.

We’ve spoken to people who were signed off with stress after trying to raise a concern that was brushed aside. We’ve seen businesses shaken by the fallout of a single complaint that wasn’t handled properly.

No employer wants this. But many still don’t realise that under the new law, you can be held accountable even if no complaint is made—if you haven’t taken reasonable steps to prevent harassment.

So what does taking action look like?

It doesn’t have to mean pulling everyone off the shop floor or office phones for half a day. We’ve been working with clients across all sectors and sizes—some who needed bite-sized sessions over lunch, some who wanted e-learning , and some who wanted in-person workshops at their premises.

Whether your team work nights, part-time shifts, from home or from the road, we can help make sure no one’s left out. Because everyone has the right to feel safe at work—and the duty to play their part.

🟢 Want to know what “reasonable steps” look like in practice? Grab our free guide here
🟢 Need help delivering training that actually lands? Just hit reply—we’ll work around your team’s needs.

This isn’t just about legal compliance—it’s about leadership, values, and the kind of culture you’re building.

Best wishes,
Emma

P.S. Would you like access to over 400 HR resources, including policies, letters, contracts and guidance documents? Why not try the HR Hub free for a month here.

P.P.S. Need some extra help with your HR? Why not try our Peace of Mind service for a one month trial, you can sign up here.

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