Legal update – New worker protection law
A wake-up call for Employers amid the new worker protection law
In a recent episode of The Graham Norton Show, Saoirse Ronan delivered a powerful message that has since gone viral, highlighting the everyday safety concerns women face. During a discussion with fellow actors Eddie Redmayne, Paul Mescal, and Denzel Washington, Ronan pointed out the stark reality that women must constantly think about their safety, especially in the dark. Her comment, “That’s what girls have to think about all the time,” resonated deeply, leaving the panel and audience in stunned silence.
This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issue of violence against women and the measures they must take to protect themselves. It also underscores the critical role employers play in ensuring the safety of their staff, particularly female employees.
Ronan’s statement sheds light on the pervasive fear many women experience when navigating public spaces alone, especially at night. This fear is not unfounded; statistics show that violence against women remains a significant issue. In the UK, for instance, crimes such as stalking, harassment, and sexual assault affect a substantial number of women annually.
Employers have a legal and moral obligation to provide a safe working environment for all employees. This responsibility extends beyond the workplace to include the safety of employees during their commute and any work-related travel. Here are some key measures employers can implement:
Safe Transportation Options: Providing safe transportation options, such as company shuttles or reimbursed taxi services, especially for employees working late shifts.
Well-Lit and Secure Facilities: Ensuring that parking lots, entrances, and exits are well-lit and monitored by security personnel.
Safety Training Programs: Offering self-defense classes and safety training programs to empower employees with the skills to protect themselves.
Emergency Response Plans: Establishing clear emergency response plans and ensuring all employees are familiar with them.
Support Systems: Creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable reporting safety concerns without fear of retaliation.
The recent update to the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act, which came into force on October 26, 2024, introduces a new duty for employers to take proactive measures to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This landmark change mandates that employers must take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment, extending their responsibilities to include harassment by third parties such as clients and customers. This update is particularly relevant in light of Ronan’s comments, as it emphasises the need for employers to create a safe environment not just within the workplace but also in interactions involving external parties. The new law also allows for compensation to be increased by up to 25% if an employer fails to meet this duty.
Beyond these practical measures, fostering a culture of safety and respect is crucial. Employers should actively promote gender equality and address any form of harassment or discrimination promptly. By doing so, they not only comply with legal requirements but also build a workplace where all employees feel valued and secure.
Saoirse Ronan’s viral moment on The Graham Norton Show is more than just a powerful statement; it’s a call to action. Employers must recognise the unique safety challenges faced by female employees and take proactive steps to address them. The recent update to the Worker Protection Act underscores this responsibility, mandating that employers take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. By doing so, they can create a safer, more inclusive workplace for everyone.
Scottish Engineering has developed training for managers in this area – if you are interested in exploring this further, please contact your usual adviser in the Legal & HR Team.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust also is a useful source of training for employees in matters of personal safety, lone working, out of hours working Personal Safety & Lone Working training.
