High Wycombe law firm says firms need to have clear polices on sexual harassment in the workplace

A High Wycombe law firm has cautioned that businesses need to have clear policies in place on sexual harassment in the workplace.

Robert Hill, a Partner at Reynolds Parry Jones LLP in Easton Street,High Wycombe, made the comments following allegations surfacing in the national press against a number of high profile employers.

As recently reported in the national press, a well known fashion retailer was in the news after staff made allegations of inappropriate behaviour against its founder who allegedly ‘hugged’ employees.

The news follows hard on the heels of allegations of harassment against the boss of another prominent high street retail business with employees claiming he groped, threatened and humiliated them.

Alongside this, the Big Four accountancy firms have dismissed dozens of partners for behaviour that has included bullying and sexual harassment, according to figures recently released by the firms.

Robert Hill said: ‘This sort of open attitude is increasingly important for all organisations. Share prices rely on companies creating the right culture and abuse of privilege or power will no longer stay out of sight as staff, quite rightly, are finding ways to get their voices heard. But it’s not just about big business, as corporate reputation can take a hit whatever your size, so you need to ensure you are facing up to any such issues, improving the workplace culture where necessary, to safeguard employees.‘

Employees are protected in the workplace by the Equality Act 2010, which makes it unlawful for an employer to allow any job applicant or employee to be subject to any harassment, whether of a sexual nature, or other intimidating behaviour. It is the employer who is responsible for preventing such behaviour, as they are liable for any harassment suffered by their employees in the workplace.

He added: ‘Every business should have a clear policy, in writing and shared with both management and staff, with a clear pathway and a safe environment for handling any complaints.

Too often it’s a more senior member of staff who is doing the harassing, and that can lead to worries about what will happen if a report is made.

It’s important that everyone is clear what is acceptable nowadays. Making rude jokes, innuendo, or gender-based comments are likely to be found offensive or humiliating, and management needs to demonstrate a zero tolerance to such behaviour, however large or small the company.‘

Further information on Reynolds Parry Jones LLP, can be found at http://www.rpj.uk.com/.