Are you prepared for the next changes to UK Employment Law?
From October 2026, employers will face even greater responsibilities to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. The legal requirement to take ‘reasonable steps’ will be strengthened to require employers to take ‘all reasonable steps‘ to prevent sexual harassment.
This means businesses will need to demonstrate they are taking a proactive approach by:
– Regularly assessing workplace risks
– Providing ongoing sexual harassment training (not just one-off sessions)
– Monitoring workplace culture and behaviour
– Acting quickly when concerns are raised
– Ensuring leaders actively promote a respectful, inclusive workplace
Having a policy alone will no longer be enough.
New liability for third-party harassment
The changes will also increase employer responsibility for harassment carried out by third parties, including:
– Customers
– Clients
– Contractors
– Suppliers
– Members of the public
If an employee experiences harassment from a third party and the employer cannot demonstrate they took all reasonable steps to prevent it, they could face legal liability.
This is particularly relevant for businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, social care, transport, leisure, subcontracting and customer-facing industries.
What should employers be doing now?
Now is the time to review your approach by:
– Updating Harassment and Dignity at Work policies
– Refreshing employee and manager training
– Reviewing workplace risk assessments
– Strengthening reporting and investigation procedures
– Developing processes for managing third-party harassment
– Ensuring senior leaders are actively promoting a respectful workplace culture
Make sure your business is ready!
At Addison Academy, our Sexual Harassment Awareness eLearning helps businesses meet their legal obligations while equipping employees and managers with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, prevent and respond to inappropriate behaviour.
Whether you’re refreshing existing training or preparing for the upcoming legal changes, their courses provide practical, engaging learning that supports compliance and helps create safer workplaces. Get ahead of the legislation and protect your people.
Prevention is always more effective than response!
Addison Academy contact information:
📞 Call: 01253 898 214
📧 Email: enquiries@addisonacademy.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.addisonacademy.co.uk
For more information on their Sexual Harassment Awareness Course visit: Sexual Harassment Awareness eLearning
