Nearly a year since the Worker Protection Act 2024 came into effect, new research from our sister company WorkNest highlights that many organisations are still not fully meeting their legal duty to prevent sexual harassment at work.
The Act, which took effect on 26 October 2024, introduced a new legal requirement for employers to take proactive, reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. Yet, in a survey of over 400 HR professionals, more than half (54%) admitted they’re unsure whether they’ve done enough to comply.
Where employers are falling short
The findings reveal worrying gaps in compliance:
- 41% of organisations have not completed a sexual harassment risk assessment, while 22% don’t know if one exists.
- Only 37% have a valid risk assessment in place.
- Just 45% have delivered training for all employees and managers, with a third (34%) yet to do so.
These gaps suggest that many businesses remain exposed to legal, reputational, and employee relations risks, despite clear guidance and support being available.
‘Implementation is lagging behind’
Commenting on the findings, Lorna Gemmell, Employment Law and HR Training Manager at WorkNest, said:
“Our research shows that while awareness of the duty is improving, implementation is lagging behind. Risk assessments and training are key to compliance, and without them, employers may face serious consequences including tribunal claims or investigations.
“Prevention is as much about culture as compliance. Employers should take this opportunity to assess what’s working, where gaps remain, and how they can foster an environment where harassment is simply not tolerated.”
Helping you create a safer, compliant workplace
Need help ensuring your organisation is doing enough to protect its employees?
At Vista, we help organisations navigate their compliance challenges with expert bespoke training programs designed for leadership teams, HR professionals and people managers.
We also provide expert-led training courses designed to drive positive cultural change, covering topics such as sexual harassment, dignity in the workplace, managing misconduct, and more.
If you’d like help tackling the cultural drivers of harassment in your organisation, contact our team or call us at 0330 053 9345.
Disclaimer: The information and advice provided in this blog are correct at the time of publishing. Employment law is subject to change, and while we strive to keep our content current and accurate, we recommend consulting with one of our legal professionals or checking the latest regulations via official sources for the most up-to-date information. Vista Employer Services is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.
