§ Ms MowlamTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what action she is taking to combat sexual harassment in the workplace.
§ Mr. McLoughlinThe Government abhor sexual harassment as a particularly nasty form of sex discrimination which can have unacceptable repercussions in the workplace.
It is well established in law that in certain circumstances sexual harassment can amount to sex discrimination, contrary to the provisions of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975.
The Department has published two booklets explaining to employers and employees how to combat sexual harassment at work. Both booklets have been widely distributed throughout industry.
The Government have also brought forward an amendment to the Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Bill which will give industrial tribunals a discretionary power to protect those involved in sexual harassment cases from intrusive or offensive reporting of their cases.