Employers are being urged to get ready for a significant change to the list of preventative actions they are required to take against harassment at work, according to Daily Business. The amendment expands what firms must do to stop harassment before it happens, rather than responding only after a complaint is made.
Key points
- What is changing — the list of preventative actions employers must take is being amended.
- Who is affected — all employers covered by the existing duty.
- What to do — prepare now for the wider obligations.
The change means businesses cannot rely on policies alone. They will need to show they have taken active steps to prevent harassment, and to keep records that demonstrate this.
Firms that fail to prepare could face claims and reputational damage. Daily Business notes that the amendment is significant, so those affected should treat it as a priority rather than a paperwork exercise.
What it means in practice
If you run a business or manage staff in the UK, this affects how you handle workplace behaviour from now on. The duty shifts from reacting to complaints to stopping problems before they arise.
- Check your policies — make sure they set out how harassment is prevented, not just how it is reported.
- Train managers — they need to know what to look out for and how to act early.
- Keep records — evidence of the steps you have taken will matter if a claim is made.
