Throughout January 2025, the Martin Searle Solicitors employment law team are campaigning to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, with special seminars and telephone hotlines available to employees, and employers.
Working to end harassment: lawyers at Martin Searle Solicitors are providing free legal advice and consultations throughout January
Legislation came into force in October as part of the Worker Protection Act 2023. This means that all employers will have to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of workers in the course of their employment. This duty includes events such as external conferences and work Christmas parties.
A spokesperson for Martin Searle Solicitors told Inside Croydon: “Sexual harassment remains a problem in many workplaces.
“The statistics are shockingly high – a 2020 survey carried out by the Government Equalities Office found that 30% of women had experienced sexual harassment at work in the previous 12 months, compared to 27% of men.
“A 2023 poll carried out by the Trades Union Congress found than 1-in-3 who experienced sexual harassment at work told their employer about what was happening.
“Employment Tribunal cases involving sexual harassment have increased by nearly 50% between 2019 and 2023, but given that many incidences of sexual harassment are not reported, this is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
“Incidences of sexual harassment are higher among those aged under 35, people identifying as LGBT+, and those with a disability, and people from ethnic minority groups. A TUC report published in December 2024 found that 65% of black women had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.”
Martin Searle Solicitors describe the Worker Protection Bill 2023 as “a welcome development”, because it places the onus on employers to take preventative steps to change their working culture.
But the lawyers say, “Many employers are unaware of their new responsibilities under the Act.” They point to surveys that show that nearly half of businesses did not know that the Worker Protection Act was coming into force, and they also suggest that “a significant number of employees will not be aware of the new protection that the Worker Protection Act offers them”.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has provided detailed guidance for employers, including eight steps that employers should take in order to prevent sexual harassment at work.
Lots of advice: Fiona Martin from Martin Searle
Fiona Martin, the head of employment law at the Croydon-based firm of solicitors, said, “We welcome the Worker Protection Act and the new duties that employers must put in place to avoid sexual harassment taking place in their workplaces. As a community law firm we are committed to access to justice, and employers meeting their obligations to protect their works.
“Throughout January we will be providing free advice to employers and employees around preventing sexual harassment at work.
“Where there are allegations of sexual harassment, we ensure that employers are able to run a thorough and fair investigation to ensure that they deal with the allegations fairly, as some allegations will be unfounded and motivated by other factors. By supporting employees about their legal rights and educating employers around best practice, we hope to make sexual harassment a thing of the past.”
Martin Searle Solicitors has produced a series of free factsheets, case studies and FAQs covering sexual harassment at work.
- Click here for the resources for employers.
- Click here for resources for employees.
- On Thursday January 23, from 10.30am to 12pm, Martin Searle Solicitors will be running a virtual seminar for employers in the charity and non-profit sector on Preventing Sexual Harassment At Work – What Employers Need To Know. To book, click here.
- They will also be running a free virtual workshop for employee advisers and trades union representatives on Sexual Harassment at Work – How to Support Employees Bringing and Defending Allegations on Thursday January 30 from 10.30am – 12pm. To book, click here.
Martin Searle Solicitors are also offering employers and employees a free initial 30-minute confidential advice call that will help employees understand their rights around sexual harassment, and provide advice to employers on creating a working environment where their staff can be confident that if they report sexual harassment it will be taken seriously.
Their legal helpline will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout January, from 3.30pm to 5.30pm on 01273 609911. You can email to book an appointment at info@ms-solicitors.co.uk.
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