- Conference
- 2026 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 5 August 2025
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference welcomes the introduction of the Worker Protection Act, which places a proactive duty on employers to take meaningful steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This marks a significant advancement in safeguarding workers’ rights.
While this legislative change is a major achievement, much work remains to ensure its effective implementation and to address the remaining gaps in protection.
A 2023 TUC poll revealed:
• 58% of women have experienced sexual harassment at work.
• 71% of incidents occurred on work premises.
• In 39% of cases, the perpetrators were clients or customers—not colleagues.
However, the Act does not extend protections to cover harassment by third parties such as clients or customers leaving a critical gap in safeguarding workers.
Despite numerous campaigns and ongoing efforts, sexual harassment remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue in many workplaces. It is also acknowledged that intersectionality can impact on sexual harassment with Black, disabled, LGBT+ and young members being disproportionally affected.
Conference calls on the National Women’s Committee to:
1)Continue campaigning to strengthen the law and ensure comprehensive protection for all workers.
2. Support branches in negotiating workplace policies and promoting campaigns that uphold women’s rights to dignity and respect.
3. Raise awareness among women members about available support services and reporting mechanisms.
4. Educate women on how to recognise and respond to sexual harassment.
5. Work with the National LGBT+ Committee, the National Black Members Committee, the National Disabled Members Committee and the Young Members Forum to ensure an intersectional approach to sexual safety.
