Sexual harassment at work: What can you do?
If you are being sexually harassed at work and would like guidance on claiming compensation, then you can contact us for a free consultation with one of our specialist solicitors.
Sexual harassment in the workplace has been tolerated by employers for too long. However, although levels of harassment are said to have reached epidemic levels, attitudes are changing and many employees are no longer prepared to suffer in silence. In particular we are finding that victims of harassment are increasingly turning to the law for solutions. We now regularly receive calls to our free legal helpline from people, mainly women, asking, ‘What can I do if I am sexually harassed at work?’
Research indicates that an alarming one in two women have been the subject of sexual harassment at work. For years women have felt that harassment is something they just have to put up with, but the climate is changing. Women now feel more empowered, drawing inspiration from high profile opinion leaders such as actress Emma Watson, who has been instrumental in launching a dedicated legal advice-line for those experiencing workplace sexual harassment.
The work of people like Emma Watson in promoting a greater understanding of women’s rights in the workplace is pivotal in overturning outdated notions of what is acceptable behaviour and providing safe working environments.
The law governing sexual harassment
One key piece of law is the Equality Act 2010, which makes sexual harassment a form of unlawful discrimination.
Under the Act, sexual harassment occurs when a person:
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Engages in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature, and
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That conduct has the purpose or effect of either:
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Violating someone’s dignity, or
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Creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.
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This covers verbal, and physical conduct — and includes sexual comments, jokes, touching, suggestive messages, or displaying sexual images.
Employers are ‘vicariously liable‘ for acts of harassment by their employees unless they can show they took “all reasonable steps” to prevent it.
How we can help if you are being sexually harassed at work
Our specialist lawyers recognise how important it is that victims of harassment at work feel able to speak out and tackle the issue head on with their employer and the harasser.
We are able to advise on equality and discrimination law. We can advise on your legal rights and in some cases we can pursue a claim for compensation.
Where compensation is an option, we are often able to work on a No Win, No Fee basis. So there is nothing to lose by giving us a call to find out where you stand.
If you have been left wondering, ‘What can I do if I am being sexually harassed at work?’ then contact our free legal helpline on 0333 888 0408 for guidance, or email info@sbclaims.co.uk
