Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 18
18
Accepted
Publish comprehensive guidance for employers and workers on preventing third-party sexual harassment.
Recommendation
Guidance for employers and employees, including freelancers, on the new duty to protect from sexual harassment, should set out how employers should prevent and manage sexual harassment coming from third parties in the absence of legal protection, including how all parties can report it, regardless of employment status. (Recommendation, Paragraph 91)
Government Response Summary
The government accepts the need for guidance, stating existing EHRC guidance already covers employer expectations regarding third-party harassment. Updated EHRC guidance and an updated Employment Statutory Code of Practice are anticipated in late 2024 to further support employers with the new duty.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s technical guidance on Sexual harassment and harassment at work includes guidance on expectations of employers regarding third party harassment3. The Commission does have powers to investigate if it chooses to. The Commission will also publish updated guidance to support employers with the new employer duty4. The Employment Statutory Code of Practice will also be updated after the technical guidance update has been published and will be subject to full consultation with publication anticipated in late 2024.