More than two in five British employers are unaware of new legal duties requiring them to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment at work, according to research from workplace advice body Acas.
A YouGov poll of British businesses found that 41 per cent of employers were unaware of the changes, while 59 per cent said they were aware.
The new requirements will come into force on 30 October 2026 under the Employment Rights Act 2025, strengthening employers’ existing duties to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
Acas is urging employers to act now by reviewing and updating workplace policies, assessing harassment risks and providing meaningful training to staff.
The changes will also extend potential employer liability to third-party harassment, meaning businesses could be liable where employees are harassed by people who do not work for the organisation – including customers, clients, members of the public or people attending conferences and events – unless the employer has taken all reasonable steps to prevent it.
For convenience retailers and other customer-facing businesses, this could mean taking specific measures to address the risk of harassment from customers.
Acas said practical steps could include clear policies, staff briefings, signage aimed at customers, security measures and reviewing supplier and customer contracts.
Employers urged to prepare
Acas head of inclusivity Julie Dennis said the proportion of employers unaware of the changes was concerning.
“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,” she said.
“Next month employers could also be liable if customers or members of the public harass their staff too.”
Dennis said Acas had updated its advice to explain how organisations would be affected and what they could do to comply with the law.
Minister for women and equalities Bridget Phillipson said workers should be able to expect a workplace free from sexual harassment.
“Feeling safe from sexual harassment in the workplace should be the absolute bare minimum,” she said.
“With new measures taking effect in October, employers should act now to prepare for the changes and stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace for good.”
Minister for the future of work Kate Dearden said the Employment Rights Act would put workers’ safety first by requiring employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment.
“No one should have to endure harassment at work,” she said. “Workplaces should be a place to thrive, not fear, and I encourage all employers to study their responsibilities and start preparing now for these changes.”
Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. It can affect people of any sex or sexual orientation and can be carried out by someone of the same or another sex or of any sexual orientation.
Acas has updated its practical guidance and provides training for employers on preventing sexual harassment.