Sexual harassment victims to have their say on laws to protect them

Victims of sexual harassment are being urged to share what happened to them under Government plans to strengthen protections for workers. A survey is being held to find out how many people are affected by the problem, both at workplaces and elsewhere.

The Government Equalities Office said the move will give victims a chance to have their say on laws designed to protect them.

Minister for women Victoria Atkins said: "Sexual harassment is wrong and survivors must be able to share their stories.

"This survey will help us build a clear picture of who is affected and where. Working together with business, we can stamp it out."

Around 12,200 people are being surveyed and although it is not known exactly how many have suffered sexual harassment, the Government hopes the feedback will help build a picture of how widespread the problem is.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission this week published a draft version of the Code of Practice, advising employers on how to make their workplace safe from sexual harassment.

Ms Atkins said "common sense" was required when determining what was classified as sexual harassment in the workplace.

The frontbencher told LBC radio that comments crossed the line when they made others feel "intimidated, distressed or humiliated".

Giving an example, she said: "Yesterday, I was wearing a very colourful skirt and everybody was saying how wonderful it looked. I did not take that as sexual harassment.

"But I was telling officials that, after a public appearance, I had an individual email about my footwear.

"It was in a way that showed a great interest in my footwear and that was something that made me feel uncomfortable.

"I think common sense here will prevail and we just want to gather the evidence to see how people react to different types of behaviour."

TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "This is an important survey that will help us all understand the scale of sexual harassment in our workplaces.

"The next step must be to change the law so that responsibility for preventing harassment at work sits with employers, not victims."

Published: 17/01/2020 by Radio NewsHub