Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of sexual harassment in workplaces in England in the last 12 months.

The Equality Hub does not actively collect data on the prevalence of sexual harassment in the workplace in England. External data collection and media reports have shown that sexual harassment remains a persistent, prevalent problem across the country, and particularly in our workplaces. In 2021 a poll by the TUC found that around 7 in 10 disabled women surveyed had been sexually harassed at work, for example.

The Government is committed to tackling sexual harassment in the workplace, to make sure that people feel safe and supported to thrive. In July 2021, as part of our strategy to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, the Government committed to a new package of measures. This includes supporting the Equality and Human Rights Commission to develop a statutory Code of Practice, preparing our own practical guidance for employers, as well as two legislative commitments to strengthen protections for those affected by harassment at work.