Marvin OnumonuIKEA UK has signed a legal agreement with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) after updating its approach to workplace sexual harassment.
The move followed a complaint from a former employee about sexual harassment and assault at a UK store, which also raised concerns about how IKEA UK handled the issue.
The EHRC used its enforcement powers under the Equality Act 2010 and entered into a Section 23 agreement with the retailer in March 2023.
Over the last two and a half years, IKEA UK reviewed how it deals with sexual harassment, improved monitoring and responses to complaints, and provided training for human resources staff and line managers.
The company also made its zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment clear to all staff.
John Kirkpatrick, CEO of the EHRC, said: “Whether a household name or a fledgling business, every employer has a duty to prevent sexual harassment.
“Throughout our legal agreement, IKEA UK have taken meaningful steps to improve how sexual harassment is prevented and addressed across their business.
“We welcome the measures put in place to ensure that their workplaces are free of sexual harassment, and their recognition that this requires continuous attention.”
Kirkpatrick added: “Employers should not assume that a low level of complaints means there is no problem with sexual harassment in their workplace, or that policies and procedures alone are enough to stop it happening.
“The Worker Protection Act 2023 – which came into force during this agreement – places a proactive duty on employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
“IKEA UK’s commitment to actively monitor complaints will help them maintain safe and fair workplaces, where incidents of sexual harassment are prevented, identified and addressed in line with the law.”
