Whistleblowing Protections for Sexual Harassment

Workers who report sexual harassment at work can now benefit from protection under whistleblowing law.

Key changes

• The law makes clear that workers who ‘blow the whistle’ on sexual harassment can benefit from whistleblowing protections against detriment and unfair dismissal.
• Previously, a worker would have to claim that their whistleblowing disclosure about sexual harassment fell under one of the existing categories of wrongdoing, such as a danger to health and safety.

Actions to take:

• Check whistleblowing policy is up to date.
• Brief managers on the updated protections.
• Communicate the changes to your workforce.

Territorial extent

This measure applies to England, Wales and Scotland. It does not apply in Northern Ireland because employment rights, including in relation to whistleblowing, is a transferred (devolved) matter in respect of Northern Ireland.

More information

Whistleblowing at work – Acasopens www.acas.org.uk in a new tab

What sexual harassment is - Sexual harassment - Acasopens www.acas.org.uk in a new tab

For more information see the Strengthening protections for whistleblowers factsheetopens assets.publishing.service.gov.uk in a new tab