14/10/2026
📢 From 30 October, the legal duty to prevent sexual harassment at work is getting stronger.
Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, employers will need to take "all reasonable steps" to prevent sexual harassment. That's a higher bar than the "reasonable steps" duty introduced in October 2024.
What's changing:
🔹 Employers can be held liable if a third party, such as a customer, client or contractor, harasses an employee, unless they can show they took all reasonable steps to prevent it
🔹 Reports of sexual harassment now count as protected disclosures under whistleblowing law (in place since April 2026)
🔹 Tribunals can increase compensation by up to 25% where an employer has breached the preventative duty
For businesses across Property Services, Construction and Facilities Management, the third-party element is particularly relevant.
Many workers spend their days in residents' homes, on client sites and alongside other contractors, so policies need to reflect where the work actually happens.
Guidance from Acas and the Equality and Human Rights Commission recommends reviewing anti-harassment policies, carrying out risk assessments, training staff and line managers, and making sure there's a safe, confidential way to report concerns.
With less than 3 weeks to go, now is the time to check your policies are ready.
Need support building a compliant, reliable workforce?
Speak to the Regen Solutions team about your recruitment needs across Property Services, Construction and Facilities Management. 🤝
📞 0203 909 6900
🌐 regensolutions.co.uk
