§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Energy 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. ParkinsonThe 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 work is not tolerated and is dealt with as a disciplinary matter through the usual Civil Service complaints procedure.
Guidance on reporting complaints of sexual harassment has been issued to all staff in my Department.
One complaint has been reported in the past five years. This was substantiated and a formal reprimand was given to the offending officer.