Lidl signs legal agreement with EHRC to prevent sexual harassment at work

The company will set up a system to track informal complaints and look for any ongoing risks. 

Complaint handling will be monitored for any new formal complaints. 

Additionally, Lidl GB will review some past complaints from 2023 and 2024 to spot any trends or problems. 

Meetings will be held with its diversity, equality and inclusion groups to talk about risks and extra steps that could be taken. 

The company said it will keep reviewing its risk assessment, policies and training.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, Chairwoman of the EHRC, said: “Every employer has a legal duty to prevent sexual harassment and they must be able to prove they’ve taken reasonable steps to do so.

“We welcome the improvements Lidl GB has already made since an employment tribunal ruled against them, and their willingness to take the further steps we have recommended. 

“By signing this legal agreement, Lidl GB has committed to carrying out this work based on our expert advice.”

Falkner added: “Sexual harassment is never acceptable in the workplace. 

“All employers should take note of what the law requires of them under the preventative duty. 

“We will continue to use our unique powers as Britain’s equality regulator to ensure everyone can work without fear of sexual harassment.”

A spokesperson from Lidl GB said: “No person should be subject to harassment in the workplace, so providing our colleagues with a safe and respectful environment is an absolute priority for us.

“That’s why we have robust policies and procedures in place which we’ve taken steps to further strengthen over the past few years.

“We continually look for opportunities to drive improvements to our processes and ways of working and, therefore, value the opportunity to work voluntarily with the EHRC, to see where we could define actions that will further support our values and colleague experience.”