New research by the Fawcett Society, made up of leading gender equality organisations, shines a light on sexual harassment in UK workplaces. The report shows that:

• At least 40% of women experience sexual harassment during the course of their career
• Almost a quarter of women who had been sexually harassed said the harassment had increased or escalated since the start of the pandemic while they were working from home
• Almost seven in ten (68%) disabled women reported being sexually harassed at work, compared to 52% of women in general
• Ethnic minority workers (women and men) reported higher rates (32%) of sexual harassment than white workers (28%) over the last 12 months
• A poll of LGBT workers found that 68% had experienced some form of harassment in the workplace

Felicia Willow, Fawcett Society Chief Executive said:
“Sexual harassment at work is endemic, and it’s clear why; employers are ill-equipped and ill-prepared to handle reports, this creates a culture where the focus is on managing liability rather than stopping perpetrators and supporting women. The current approach puts women in an unacceptably vulnerable position. It’s time for change – as the government has agreed – employers need to take their responsibilities seriously and create safe working environments. They need to take a look at their workplace culture and put in place the effective strategies to stamp out sexual harassment in the workplace once and for all.”