Cheshire businesses are being urged to strengthen their workplace harassment policies ahead of major changes to UK employment law.
Chester-based employment law specialists Neathouse Partners have issued advice in light of new provisions under the Employment Rights Act 2025, which come into force on October 30, 2026.
Bobby Ahmed, managing director of Neathouse Partners and an employment law solicitor, said: "Many businesses already have workplace harassment policies in place, but the new legislation means employers need to look beyond simply having the right documents.
"It's about demonstrating that preventative measures are actually being taken, whether that's assessing workplace risks, training managers or ensuring employees know how to raise concerns."
The changes will require employers to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, strengthening the existing duty to take "reasonable steps."
They will also introduce new protections against harassment by third parties, such as customers and clients, with employers potentially liable if they have failed to take all reasonable steps to prevent such incidents.
The legislation is expected to have particular impact in industries with high levels of public interaction, including hospitality, retail, and healthcare.
Neathouse Partners, based at Chester Business Park, is advising employers to review their policies, staff training, and reporting procedures before the legislation comes into force.
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