A recent BBC News Article highlights a significant Employment Tribunal ruling in favour of a former JD Sports employee who was awarded £65,000.00 after enduring sexual harassment by her male boss. Jayla Boyd, who was 17 at the time, worked part time while studying for her A-levels. During her shift, she was slapped on the bottom by her male supervisor.
In this particular case, the Employment Tribunal found that inappropriate conduct by a superior created an unsafe and hostile environment for the employee, ultimately violating her rights at work. The substantial financial sum of £65,000.00 not only reflects the personal impact on the claimant but also provides significant legal recognition that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Workplaces across the UK are legally required to protect staff from harassment and discrimination. By law, employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. Employers must take action to assess risks of sexual harassment and put measures in place. It is not acceptable to take action after the sexual harassment has happened. Examples of steps that employers could take include:
- Making it clear to all employees that sexual harassment will not be tolerated
- Encouraging staff to report incidents of sexual harassment, even where they felt at risk, but nothing happened
- Having a sexual harassment policy
- Regular training for all members of staff
- Training managers on their responsibility
- Regularly reviewing such policies and repeating sexual harassment training
This decision serves as a reminder to employers of the importance of robust anti-harassment policies, regular staff training, and swift action when complaints are raised. Empowering workers to speak up without fear or retaliation is key to fostering respective, inclusive workplaces.
If you would like any further advice on sexual harassment or require in-house sexual harassment training, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Rachel Davis at rd@nockolds.co.uk or Carissa Owens cowens@nockolds.co.uk.