The sexual harassment duty: an 8-step checklist for UK employers
From 30 October 2026 employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work, and can be liable when staff are harassed by customers or other third parties. Here is what that means in practice, in eight steps you can start today.
Know the dates
Since 26 October 2024 employers have had a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their staff (Worker Protection Act 2023). From 30 October 2026 the Employment Rights Act 2025 raises this to all reasonable steps, and makes employers liable for harassment of staff by third parties (customers, guests, residents, contractors) unless they took all reasonable steps to prevent it.
Run a harassment risk assessment
List where and when staff could be harassed: lone working, late shifts, home visits, bars and front desks, events, online contact. Include third parties, not just colleagues. Write down what you'll do about each risk.
Update your policy
Cover sexual harassment and third-party harassment in plain English: what it is, examples from your setting, how to report, what happens next, and that reporters won't be punished.
Tell customers and visitors the rules
Signs, booking terms, tenancy or service agreements that say harassment of staff isn't tolerated and what you'll do (refuse service, ban, report).
Train everyone, including managers
Staff need to recognise harassment and know how to report it. Managers need to know how to respond, record and act. Keep a record of who completed training and when.
Make reporting easy
More than one route (line manager, named lead, anonymous option). Acknowledge every report quickly and keep notes.
Act on reports and protect staff
Investigate fairly, support the person affected, and deal with third parties firmly. Never leave a member of staff alone with someone who has harassed them.
Review and record
Check the plan at least yearly and after any incident. Your records are how you show you took all reasonable steps.
Need the training part done?
Our 30-minute sexual harassment training for employers and staff covers the new duty, third-party harassment, speaking up and safe culture, with a quiz and certificate for each learner. £19 per learner.
Feel free to link to or share this checklist. Please credit Obsidra Training & Solutions.