Many UK employers are unaware of just how vulnerable they now are under the latest legislation.

With the new sexual harassment duty introduced (Effective October 2024), the law has shifted dramatically. Employers can no longer rely on intent or internal investigations alone. The focus is now squarely on how the victim feels — and that simple shift puts your business at serious legal risk.

What’s Changed in the Legal Definition of Sexual Harassment?

Under the updated law, sexual harassment is now defined by the impact on the victim — not the intent behind the behaviour. That means even a seemingly minor comment or an offhand remark could legally qualify as sexual harassment if the recipient perceives it that way. 

Whether or not the alleged harasser “meant any harm” is no longer a key consideration. If the person on the receiving end of a comment or action feels violated, intimidated, degraded, or humiliated, your business could face a tribunal claim — even if there was no prior complaint.

Real-World Example:

A team member comments on a colleague’s appearance during a video call. It’s said casually, with no malice. But the recipient feels uncomfortable. Under the new legislation, this can constitute harassment — and if your company has not taken reasonable preventative steps, you’re liable.

What is the New Duty on Employers?

In addition to redefining harassment, the new Sexual Harassment Duty introduces a duty on all UK employers to actively prevent sexual harassment from occurring in the workplace, rather than just responding to incidents.

This means:

• You can no longer rely on reactive HR policies alone 

• You must show you’ve taken proactive, tangible steps to educate and protect employees 

Failing to do so could result in £££s in employment tribunals, legal costs, reputational damage, and potentially compensation payouts.

Training as a Legal Defence

Here’s the good news: if an incident occurs and your organisation can show it has taken “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment — including effective training — this can serve as a valid legal defence in an employment tribunal.

And that’s exactly where our sexual harassment e-learning comes in!

Sexual Harassment E-Learning Course

Designed specifically to help UK businesses meet their legal obligations, prevent claims, and build a safer work environment.

What You Get:

• Fully CPD-accredited training 

• Completion in just 35 minutes 

• Accessible anytime, anywhere 

• Covers key areas of workplace sexual harassment law, including real-world scenarios & case studies 

• Written by award-winning lawyers 

• Proof of compliance – downloadable certificate for your HR files 

• Valid as part of a tribunal defence strategy 

Cost: Just £29 per employee

Compared to the financial and reputational cost of a tribunal, it’s a small investment to save huge sums in future.

Don’t Wait Until You’re in Court

Whether you’re a small business, a growing startup, or a large enterprise, many don’t realise until it’s too late — and they’re caught in a long, expensive legal battle. Just 30 minutes of training can help you avoid the hassle.

Book a demo today – £29PP | CPD Certified | 35-Minute Completion | Valid Legal Defence