Maria Caulfield, Member of Parliament for Lewes and Minister for Women has welcomed the passing of a new bill which tackles the issue of workplace sexual harassment.
The Worker Protection Bill is a Private Member’s Bill presented by Wera Hobhouse MP, which went through its final stage in the House of Commons on the 20th October.
This law will create a 'preventative duty': a requirement that employers prevent sexual harassment from happening in their workplaces and moves us from a culture of redress to one of prevention. This means clear policies, training, and proper, impartial investigations into reported harassment. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission will be able to take enforcement action against firms that breach this duty, and employers will also be liable to individuals as part of wider sexual harassment claims at an employment tribunal.
In responding to the bill as Minister for Women, Maria Caulfield MP said
“This bill throughout all stages has had cross party support, it is the case that it is often very difficult for Private Members Bills to pass through parliament, but as the government we have fully supported this bill because it is such an important issue to tackle.”