UK SMEs: is your business ready for the strengthened sexual harassment duties?
With 30 October 2026 approaching, now is the time for SMEs to review how they are meeting their responsibilities around preventing sexual harassment at work.
The legal duty is being strengthened from taking “reasonable steps” to taking “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment — including considering the risks posed by third parties such as customers, clients, suppliers or contractors.
For SMEs, this is about more than having a policy in the handbook.
Now is a good time to ask:
🔹 Have you identified where sexual harassment risks could arise in your workplace? 🔹 Do your policies and reporting procedures work in practice?
🔹 Do managers know how to recognise concerns and respond appropriately?🔹 Have your employees received appropriate training?
🔹 Have you considered risks involving customers, clients, suppliers or work-related social events?
🔹 Can you demonstrate the steps you have taken to prevent harassment?
Don't wait for a complaint before reviewing your responsibilities.
With the October deadline approaching, an autumn HR health check now gives SMEs an opportunity to identify gaps, take action and make sure their approach is genuinely preventative.
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