Workers see positive shift on harassment
NEARLY ONE in four workers believe increased media attention on sexual harassment has helped improve workplace culture, according to new research from Acas.
The workplace expert commissioned YouGov to survey 1,000 employees across Great Britain, with 24% saying recent international coverage of sexual harassment has had a positive impact within their workplace.
The findings come as new whistleblowing protections relating to sexual harassment came into force on 6 April 2026 under the Employment Rights Act 2025. The change means workers who report sexual harassment are now protected from unfair dismissal or detrimental treatment.
Acas head of inclusive workplaces, Julie Dennis, said: “The ‘Me Too’ movement empowered many victims to speak out about unacceptable sexual harassment behaviours at work.
“Our poll reveals that global media coverage of these types of cases and others has improved workplace culture for nearly a quarter of workers across the country.
“I welcome this progress but it’s clear that more work needs to be done, and employers should always be mindful that they have a duty to proactively tackle sexual harassment.
“Acas has advice in this area, which includes the recent new law change that helps to protect and strengthen the rights of whistleblowers who report sexual harassment at work.”
Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. Acas encourages all employers to create a sexual harassment policy if they do not already have one. They should also make sure that managers are trained properly and take any complaint of sexual harassment seriously.
Sexual harassment can happen to men, women and people of any sexual orientation. It can be carried out by anyone of the same sex, another sex or anyone of any sexual orientation.
Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. They must not wait until something has happened before they take action.
Bosses can be held responsible for the actions of their workers. They also have a responsibility to look after the wellbeing of their workers.
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