According to Personnel Today, a lawyer for employment, work-related social events may become more formal or even disappear altogether as organizations comply with the Worker Protection Amendment Act 2010 Act 2023 .
The Act, which enters into force on the 26th of October, creates an obligation for employers to protect their workers against sexual harassment by third parties.
Employers have the “duty to take reasonably steps” to stop sexual harassment at work. Employment tribunals can increase compensation up to 25 percent if they determine that an employer has breached its duty.
Employment Rights Bill is likely to strengthen the new law, which will create an obligation for employers to “take all reasonable steps” in order to prevent sexual harassment “before its start”.
Thomas Beale is the partner and head for the bullying and harassment group at Bolt Burdon Kemp. He says that office parties, which are usually centered around alcohol, will either be different or not held.
He said that under the new Act, organizations “will be required by law to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassing in the workplace, and they should prepare themselves for a major overhaul of their current anti-harassment policy”.
Beale said that the Act does not prohibit work-related social gatherings, but employers will need to implement significant changes in order to reduce risks and comply with the new provisions.
“Employers must be aware that the duty of care they owe to their employees doesn’t end when they leave work or the office.” He said. To avoid unacceptable behavior, it is important to maintain professional boundaries at all work-related events.
Beale suggested that a strategy to reduce risks might include pre-event briefings. Beale advised that pre-event briefings could be used to reduce risks by highlighting the importance of appropriate behavior and describing the consequences of incidents of misconduct. “Furthermore the reduction of external factors such as alcohol may be required to prevent any impairment in professional judgment.”
He said that the effect on companies who regularly organize social events would be significant. After the Act’s introduction, we can expect a redefinition and alteration of social norms such as office drinks or after-work parties.
Lloyd’s of London launched a new consultation last week to improve oversight of its members’ personal conduct after years of “cultural issues” in the heart of London.
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