Sexual harassment

by Practical Law Employment

Maintained | England, Scotland, Wales

This note considers sexual harassment in employment under the Equality Act 2010. It explains what amounts to sexual harassment under the statutory definition, the statutory duty to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees, and the practical steps an employer can take to minimise the risk of sexual harassment in its workplace. It also provides information on how to investigate sexual harassment allegations, as well as matters an employee should consider when bringing a claim and an employer should consider when defending a claim. The note also sets out best practice in the use of confidentiality clauses or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) when settling sexual harassment cases, and the changes that will be introduced by the Employment Rights Act 2025 (ERA 2025).

Get access to this document with Practical Law

Why Practical Law?

Gain a built-in attorney network

Practical Law’s resources are written and maintained by over 650 dedicated, full-time attorney-editors globally. They’re highly qualified, having practiced at the world’s leading law firms, corporate law departments, and government agencies, so they understand the challenges you face. They dedicate themselves to creating resources to help you navigate the new legal realities, legislative changes, and practice areas impacting your clients or organisation.

See how to leverage the expertise of Practical Law’s attorney-editors to help you practice more efficiently.

Expert guidance

650+ full-time, experienced attorney-editors keep you up to date globally

Total resources

118,000+ total resources across 17 practice areas ensure comprehensive coverage

Timely updates 

150,000+ hours spent in 2025 maintaining and updating resources

Experience Practical Law