§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his Department's policy on sexual harassment at work; whether guidance on reporting complaints has been issued to all staff; how many complaints have been reported in the past five years; and what disciplinary action has been taken.
§ Mr. BrookeThe Civil Service policy on sexual harassment is set out in the programme of action to achieve equal opportunities for women in the Civil Service which was published by the Cabinet Office (Management and Personnel Office) in 1984. Sexual harassment at work406W is not tolerated and is dealt with as a disciplinary matter through the usual Civil Service complaints procedures. Specific guidance on reporting alleged sexual harassment is included in "Women in the Treasury; a guide to personnel management policies" which has been issued to all Treasury staff. There have been four complaints reported in the past five years; in the two proven cases, formal written warnings were issued.