Overview

This bill amends the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to make employers legally responsible for proactively preventing workplace violence and harassment. It also mandates the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to create and publish a framework for addressing this issue, with a particular focus on protecting women and girls.

Description

The bill introduces a new duty on employers to:

• Assess potential risks of violence and harassment (including gender-based violence, sexual harassment, psychological and emotional abuse, physical and sexual abuse, stalking and online harassment).
• Implement policies and procedures to eliminate these risks as far as reasonably practicable.
• Provide training to all employees on recognizing and preventing violence and harassment, using gender-responsive approaches.

The definition of "persons working in the workplace" is broadened to include employees, temporary workers, interns, apprentices, volunteers, and job applicants, in both physical and remote/hybrid work environments.

The HSE is given the responsibility to:

• Develop, publish, and regularly update a health and safety framework on workplace violence and harassment, focusing on the prevention of violence against women and girls.
• Issue guidance for employers on protecting women and girls, including establishing reporting mechanisms and supporting victims.

Government Spending

The bill does not specify any direct government spending figures. However, the implementation of the new requirements will likely lead to increased costs for the HSE in developing and publishing the framework and guidance, as well as potential increased enforcement costs.

Groups Affected

• Employers: Will face new legal responsibilities and potentially increased costs in risk assessments, policy development, training, and implementation of preventative measures.
• Employees: Will benefit from increased protection against violence and harassment in the workplace. They may also receive more training on recognizing and reporting such incidents.
• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Will have a new statutory duty to develop and publish a framework and guidance, requiring additional resources and staff.
• Women and girls: Will receive specific protection under the framework, which will focus on preventing violence and harassment directed towards them.

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