Government must not backtrack on promised new sexual harassment laws, warns TUC

The TUC has today (Monday) told the government that it would be “shameful” if it backtracks on its promise to strengthen sexual harassment laws at work.

According to reports in the Financial Times, ministers will allow The Worker Protection Bill to fall – despite previously vowing to support the legislation that will introduce a new preventative duty on employers to tackle harassment and abuse in the workplace.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “It would be utterly shameful if the government allows this bill to fall.

“Ministers promised to bring in new laws to tackle sexual harassment. But are now backsliding under pressure from backbenchers.

“Every day we hear stories about how endemic sexual harassment is in our workplaces.

“And we know many in public-facing jobs – like shop workers and GP receptionists – suffer abuse and harassment regularly from clients and customers.

“Rishi Sunak must not abandon vulnerable staff. These protections are essential.”