Experts warn ‘all reasonable steps’ requirement coming into force in October will significantly raise the legal bar for businesses
3 September 2026
Employers risk being caught out by tougher sexual harassment laws coming into force next month, with many still unaware of their new responsibilities, research has revealed.
Two in five (41 per cent) of employers are unaware of new legal duties to prevent sexual harassment at work, while 59 per cent are aware, according to a study of 1,050 senior decision makers in Great Britain by workplace conciliation service Acas.
From 30 October, employers will be required to take ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent sexual harassment under changes introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025.
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This strengthens the existing requirement to take ‘reasonable steps’ and raises the standards employers will be expected to meet.
Julie Dennis, head of inclusivity at Acas, said most businesses were up to speed with the new responsibilities, but it was “concerning that two in five bosses are not”.
The changes will also mean employers could be held liable for harassment of their staff by third parties, such as customers or members of the public, unless they can show they took ‘all reasonable steps’ to prevent it.
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