Businesses across the region are being encouraged to take action ahead of new workplace regulations that are due to come into force on 26 October. The changes, introduced through the Worker Protection Act 2023, mark a significant amendment to the Equality Act 2010, requiring all employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
Outsourced HR, a Tees Valley-based human resources consultancy, is stepping up to help businesses prepare for these impending regulations by offering a series of half-day training sessions. These sessions are aimed at educating business leaders and managers about the legislative changes and ensuring they understand their responsibilities under the new law.
The training programme is designed to provide practical guidance on how to meet the new requirements. The first of these courses will take place on 14 October at Business Central in Darlington. Outsourced HR will also run a second session on 19 November, with additional dates expected to be announced soon.
Sasha Warr, Director of Outsourced HR, emphasised the importance of businesses getting ready for the changes. “This new legislation affects everyone in the workplace, not just senior leaders,” she said. “We’ve known for some time that employers need to embrace diversity and inclusion, but the Worker Protection Act takes this a step further. The law now mandates that companies take clear action to prevent sexual harassment, and there’s a tight deadline for companies to ensure compliance.”
Ms Warr explained that businesses need to inform their employees about the changes, update internal policies, and ensure staff have seen and understood these new policies. The training courses offered by Outsourced HR aim to simplify the process for businesses, providing them with the information and strategies they need to implement the changes effectively.
“Our sessions are designed to be engaging and interactive,” she added. “We want attendees to leave with a solid understanding of the legislation and actionable steps they can take to protect their employees and their businesses.”
Failing to comply with the new requirements could be costly for employers. If an organisation does not take the appropriate steps to prevent sexual harassment, it could face an uplift of up to 25% in compensation in the event of a successful claim against it. Ms Warr also pointed out that harassment compensation claims are uncapped, meaning that non-compliance could result in significant financial penalties.
For businesses that prefer a more tailored approach, Outsourced HR is offering in-house bespoke training sessions to help companies meet the needs of their workforce. These bespoke options can be particularly useful for businesses with complex requirements or those seeking to train larger teams.
The Worker Protection Act 2023 represents a major shift in workplace law, and with only weeks to go before it comes into effect, businesses are being urged to act now to avoid falling foul of the new regulations.
To book a place on the training or enquire about bespoke sessions, business leaders are encouraged to contact Outsourced HR directly.
