Sexual harassment laws updated

On the 1st October 2005 the law surrounding sex discrimination in relation to sexual harassment saw some minor changes. The definition of sexual harassment has been extended by the European Equal Treatment Directive and is now defined as: “Unwanted conduct on the grounds of the recipient’s sex; or unwanted physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual
nature.” This can include comments about a person’s appearance, sexual demands and indecent remarks.

It is still necessary for the conduct to have created an intimidating, humiliating, degrading or offensive environment. Both men and women have a right not to be subjected to sexual harassment in the work place. It is therefore important that all businesses ensure they have implemented an equal opportunities policy within the work place that covers sex discrimination. (please note - mhl’s handbook already contains an equal opportunity policy)