Government Equalities Office survey to be launched asking sexual harassment victims to share their stories
The Government Equalities Office (GEO) is launching a survey that will seek the views of sexual harassment victims. It will be sent to 12,200 individuals from "every walk of life" in the UK, though it is not yet clear how participants will be selected, and when the deadline for responses will be.
The survey will ask participants to share their experiences of sexual harassment inside and outside the workplace, and to provide details of where they have experienced harassment and in what form.
Meanwhile a response is expected to the government's consultation on sexual harassment in the workplace. The proposals in the consultation include a possible three-month extension of the three-month time limit for bringing tribunal claims under the EqA 2010, ensuring adequate protection for volunteers and interns, and strengthening and clarifying the laws on third-party harassment in the workplace.
Finally, on 15 January the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published updated technical guidance on sexual harassment and harassment at work, along with a separate shorter guide for employers on preventing sexual harassment at work. A statutory code of practice is also expected.