80 Days Until the Worker Protection Act 2023 Takes Effect: Time to Take Action
Olivia Broderick
Executive PA @ stopsexualmisconduct.co.uk | Stop Sexual Misconduct
Attention all employers and employees: the clock is ticking. We have only 80 working days left until the Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, comes into force on October 27th. This new law focuses exclusively on preventing sexual harassment within the workplace, and compliance is not optional. You need to start taking proactive steps now.
Day 80: Wake Up
If you haven’t started preparing, you’re already behind. The memo has been sent, the emails have been received, and the deadlines are non-negotiable. Ignoring this will not make it go away. You must act immediately.
Day 70: HR, Get to Work
Human Resources, Heads of People and Culture and Training and Development, this is your moment. Update all relevant policies, plan comprehensive preventative training sessions, and prepare detailed presentations and resources. The time for excuses is over. Non-compliance will result in severe consequences.
Day 60: Schedule Mandatory Training
Training isn’t optional. Schedule and enforce mandatory preventative sexual harassment training for all employees. This is a non-negotiable requirement. If you haven’t already started, contact us to arrange preventative sexual harassment training for your entire workforce. Delay is not an option.
Day 50: IT, Secure Everything
IT departments, your task is critical. Ensure all communication channels are monitored and secure. No inappropriate emails, messages, or behaviour should go unnoticed or unreprimanded. Get your systems in order now, and do not wait until the last minute.
Day 40: Form Dedicated Committees
Form committees specifically to review and implement the new stand-alone preventative sexual harassment policies. This is about creating a safer workplace, not adding to your to-do list. Meetings about meetings might be tedious, but they’re essential.
Day 30: Update Your Messaging
Your workplace needs visible reminders of these changes. Posters, bulletins, and digital signage should be updated with clear, unambiguous messages about the new preventative sexual harassment policies. Ignorance is no excuse.
Day 20: Managers, Lead by Example
Managers, your role is pivotal. Lead by example, enforce the new rules, and be prepared to handle any violations swiftly and decisively. This isn’t a popularity contest; it’s about protecting your employees and your company from the grip of sexual harassment.
Day 10: Final Preparations
By now, everything should be in place. Desks rearranged, personal spaces respected, and everyone should be fully trained. If you’re still scrambling, you’re failing. Get it together now.
Day 5: Address Questions and Concerns
Your employees will have questions. Answer them. Address any concerns head-on. Clarity and transparency are crucial. Misunderstandings can lead to non-compliance, and that’s unacceptable.
Day 1: No Room for Error
Tomorrow, the Worker Protection Act 2023 comes into full force. There’s no room for error. Every single person in your organisation needs to understand the new rules and abide by them. The consequences for non-compliance can be severe.
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Day 0: The New Law is Here
The Worker Protection (Amendment of the Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, is now in effect. Your workplace must be in full compliance. This isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s about creating a safe, respectful environment for all employees.
There are no more excuses. The time for action is now. As we have mentioned in nearly 50 articles on our page, failure to comply with this law can result in severe penalties, not just for your organisation but potentially for individuals within it.
The Call to Action
For the past 15 months, companies have been consistently warned about the impending changes and the importance of compliance. To the 32% of companies that have chosen to comply, bravo! Your proactive measures will help protect your organisation from legal and financial repercussions.
However, to the 68% who continue to flout the law, our sympathy is running thin. Ignoring this legislation will have serious consequences. Ensure compliance to avoid costly legal battles and reputational damage.
Steps to Ensure Compliance
If your company is part of the 68% at risk, it’s not too late to act. Here are some steps to help ensure compliance with the Worker Protection Act 2023:
The deadline for complying with the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 is fast approaching. Companies that fail to act will face significant legal and financial consequences. Don’t be part of the 68% at risk - take steps now to ensure compliance and protect your business from costly repercussions.
Contact us today to schedule your preventative sexual harassment training and policy development, and let us help you create a safe and respectful workplace environment all within the remaining 80 days. Don’t wait - act now to protect your employees and your organisation from legal risks and foster a culture of respect and professionalism.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any of the information [email protected] ? 2024.
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