More than half of females in the workplace have suffered some form of sexual harassment. A poll of 1,500 women found that 52% had experienced unwanted behaviour at work, including sexual advances, inappropriate comments and jokes and groping.
The research was conducted by the Trades Union Congress and the Everyday Sexism Project, who found that 52% of women had experienced unwanted behaviour at work, a third were victim to unwanted jokes and a quarter experienced unwelcome touching. Among females aged 16-24, the proportion reporting sexual harassment increased to 63%, while manufacturing and hospitality were flagged as the two key industries where harassment was most likely to take place.
Around one in eight women reported unsolicited sexual touching of their genitals, buttocks or breasts or attempts to kiss them at work, which according to employment specialist solicitors at Gorvins, is considered sexual assault under the law. A further, 1% said they had been raped or seriously sexually assaulted in their place of employment.
Nearly a fifth said that they had been harassed by either their boss or someone else with authority over them.
However, four in five women said that they did not report the occurrences to their employers, with many fearful that it would damage their relationships at work, or that they would not be taken seriously.
How to make a sexual harassment claim
Gorvins Employment Legal team specialise in sex discrimination claims, explain that workplace discrimination is regulated by the Equality Act 2010 to protect employees with ‘protected characteristics’ from unfair treatment. Workplace discrimination comes in many forms and can often be classed as harassment or victimisation due to a particular protected characteristic.
Workplace discrimination cases can be highly complex. It is essential that you seek legal advice and representation as soon as possible if you are concerned about your treatment at work and believe you are being unfairly discriminated against.
If you have concerns over sexual harassment or have been a victim of sexual harassment in the workplace contact Gorvins on 0161 930 5151 or e-mail employmentteam@gorvins.com for some impartial advice.