Equality and Human Rights Commission Module 1 legal overview
Module 1: Legal Overview – Preventing Harassment
🛡️ Module 1: Legal Overview
Part of the Preventing Harassment Training – Aware360
Learn the legal foundation behind workplace harassment prevention in the UK – fun, accessible and vital knowledge for employers and employees alike!
📜 What Is Harassment?
Harassment is unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated, degraded, humiliated or offended.
Can be verbal, physical or visual
Includes jokes, touching, gestures, looks, texts, and more
Legally defined in the Equality Act 2010
⚖️ Key Law: Equality Act 2010
This UK law protects people from discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It covers:
Sexual harassment
Harassment related to race, religion, disability, gender identity, and more
Victimisation of those who report harassment
🆕 Update: Worker Protection Act 2023
This Act came into force on 26 October 2024. It makes key changes to UK employment law:
Employers have a legal duty to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment.
If they fail, tribunals can increase compensation by 25%.
🔮 What’s Next in the Law?
In 2026, the upcoming Employment Rights Bill may expand the law further:
Change “reasonable steps” to “all reasonable steps”
Extend the duty to protect against harassment from third parties (e.g. customers, clients)
🤝 Why This Matters for Employers
Businesses now must act proactively to protect staff:
Have clear harassment policies in place
Train staff (like you're doing now!)
Encourage open reporting
Respond quickly and fairly to complaints
👩⚖️ Case Study Snapshot
Jane vs. TechFirm Ltd (2024) Jane experienced repeated sexual comments from a colleague. The employer failed to act, saying it was “just banter.” Tribunal awarded Jane £18,000 + 25% uplift due to lack of preventative action.
