Two in five employers unaware of sexual harassment law changes – Acas
From 30th October, the Employment Rights Act 2025 will require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment within their organisations.
More than two in five (41%) employers are unaware of upcoming changes to workplace sexual harassment law, according to research from Acas.
From 30th October, the Employment Rights Act 2025 will require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment within their organisations.
The YouGov survey of British businesses found that 59% were aware of the change, while 41% were not.
Acas has urged employers to prepare ahead of the new requirements by reviewing and updating existing policies, assessing and managing risks and providing meaningful training to employees.
Employers could also become liable where workers are sexually harassed by third parties, such as customers, clients or members of the public, unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
Measures employers could consider include clear policies, staff briefings, signage for customers, security measures and reviews of supplier and customer contracts.
Julie Dennis, head of inclusivity at Acas, said: “Most employers are up to speed on upcoming new responsibilities to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work but it’s concerning that 2 in 5 bosses are not.
“Next month employers could also be liable if customers or members of the public harass their staff too.
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