New workplace harassment laws take effect in October: Is your business ready?

What's changing?

Since October 2024, employers have been required to "take reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment at work. From October 2026, employers will be required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, with liability extending to harassment from third parties, such as customers, clients, and contractors.

Failure to comply could expose organisations to increased legal risk, reputational damage and employment tribunal claims. Employers will be expected to demonstrate that they have assessed workplace risks, implemented preventative measures, and provided appropriate training to employees.

Put simply: reacting isn’t enough. Employers must show they have anticipated risks, planned for them and taken practical steps to prevent sexual harassment before it happens.

Three steps employers can take right now:

1. Review current workplace harassment policies and reporting procedures,

2. Carry out a harassment risk assessment, including potential risks from customers, contractors, and visitors,

3. Provide training to leaders, managers, and employees so everyone understands their responsibilities.

To help employers prepare, the EIC offers specialist Sexual Harassment Training designed specifically for organisations operating within the electrical and energy industries.

Courses are available for:

•  HR professionals and senior leaders

• Managers and supervisors

• All employees

Participants will gain a clearer understanding of the law, identify risk factors, learn effective prevention strategies, and develop confidence in responding appropriately to concerns.

With the October deadline approaching, employers are encouraged to act now to ensure they are fully prepared for the new legal requirements.

To learn more about EIC's Sexual Harassment Training or to book a course, contact [email protected].

The Electrical Industries Charity has supported the electrical and energy industries for more than 120 years and delivers a range of workplace wellbeing and compliance training programmes informed by the real challenges facing our sector. For more information, visit https://electricalcharity.org/training/

For more information, please contact the Electrical Industries Charity directly.

The Fundraising Team:

020 3696 1710

[email protected]