Meeting the requirements of the Worker Protection Act
Helping organisations meet the requirements of the UK’s new Worker Protection Act
In October 2024, the UK is set to witness a significant legislative shift with the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023.
This Act forces a move from reactive measures to proactive prevention of sexual harassment in the workplace.
The need for this reform is underscored by a series of high-profile cases across various sectors, which have brought to light the pervasiveness of workplace harassment.
Recent cases in the NHS, Red Arrows, MoD, McDonald's, and various police and fire services reflect a systemic issue. These incidents not only demonstrate the breadth of the problem but also the severe impact on the reputation and trust of these institutions.
Ruth Sparkes, a PR professional and co-founder of SaferSpace, brings a personal perspective to this issue, having, (like many, many women) experienced workplace harassment herself.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is something both I, and my co-founder, Sunita Gordon experienced on and off for over 20 years,” she shares, adding, “Unfortunately, we’re not alone – that’s why we’re trying to do something about it.”
Their journeys from enduring harassment to empowering others to report it forms the ethos behind SaferSpace.
SaferSpace, a straightforward tool designed for reporting and managing workplace harassment, aligns with the Act’s focus on prevention. It offers a discreet and secure platform for employees to report incidents, with an option for anonymity. This feature addresses a significant challenge highlighted by Ruth: the reluctance to report harassment due to fears of backlash or doubts about being believed.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) found that more than two in five women have experienced multiple incidents of sexual harassment at work. In colleges and universities, the figures are even higher. Yet, according to the Fawcett Society, a staggering 79% of women do not report sexual harassment at work.
The duo’s experience and these statistics underline the urgent need for effective tools like SaferSpace.
Sunita said: “SaferSpace is a compliance tool; bit, it’s also a commitment to changing workplace culture. It allows for reporting and provides resources and training, supporting employers in educating and training staff.”
As Sunita explains, “We wanted to create something that gave victims a voice and also helped institutions create safer environments.”
As organisations like the NHS and MoD grapple with the repercussions of the widely publicised cases of harassment, and with the looming implementation of the Worker Protection Act, tools like SaferSpace offer a practical and cost-effective solution.
They enable organisations to meet legal requirements and demonstrate a commitment to fostering safer, more respectful work and study environments.
As the UK moves towards a proactive approach to workplace safety, the synergy between legislative reforms and technological solutions like SaferSpace will be crucial.
This combination can effectively address and reduce workplace harassment, ensuring safer environments for all employees.
The UK’s cultural and legal shift marks a significant step towards eradicating workplace harassment in the UK. Ruth and Sunita’s experiences and their drive to make a change are embodied in the SaferSpace tool.
