Why Risk it? Insights on the Worker Protection Act
The new Worker Protection Act was enabled in October 2024. Whilst this has been welcomed by many, there’s no denying that for some organisations, particularly in the finance and insurance space, meeting regulations will require a big culture shift. At PeopleClear, we are uniquely placed to support organisations as they adapt to the new regulations. Having operated in both the HR and regulatory spaces for many years, we have developed workshops to support your organisation to understand the new regulations and ensure compliance.
Here we’ll recap on what the new Worker Protection Act means for organisations and link to three videos in which our CEO, Andrew Pullman, discusses both the impact of the new legislation and the reasons behind it’s implementation.
What is the Worker Protection Act?
The Worker Protection Act was brought in to put focus on culture and preventing sexual harassment in the workplace rather than dealing with the consequences afterwards. The Act encourages a preventative approach to sexual harassment with companies needing to demonstrate the steps they are taking. One of the biggest changes is that this preventative approach should now extend beyond the office to protect workers from incidents that could occur during work-related events. It also puts a bigger emphasis on the employer, rather than individuals, to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
What does the Worker Protection Act mean for my organisation?
Similar to SMCR, employers will be expected to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in their organisation. What constitutes reasonable steps may vary for each organisation but could comprise of any or all of the following:
- Ensuring a safe and respectful work environment for everyone
- Training for both leadership and the whole organisation to ensure everyone can recognise signs of sexual harassment in the workplace
- Sexual harassment policies which are clear and preventative and procedures for reporting sexual harassment
- Running regular sexual harassment training so all employees remain up to date
- Building an approachable and supportive leadership team
- Taking all reports of sexual harassment seriously and investigating thoroughly
What are the risks of inappropriate behaviour in the workplace?
Our CEO, Andrew Pullman, recently sat down with our SMCR Solutions Manager, James Miller, to discuss the new Worker Protection Act, why it was needed and the impact it is having on organisations. Take a look at these clips for more information and examples:
Video 1 – When Bad Behaviour Goes Public
In this video, Andrew Pullman gives us an example of when a team’s behaviour out in public resulted in a fine being issued to the company and disciplinaries for some of the individuals involved.
Video 2 – Sexual Harassment in Finance
In this video, Andrew Pullman talks about how the new Worker’s Protection Act has sharpened the focus on preventing sexual harassment in the workplace. Andrew details how these new regulations aim to change workplace culture to be a safer and less discriminatory environment.
Video 3 – Effect of Toxic Culture
Andrew Pullman discusses how toxic culture can have a negative effect on employee performance and the knock-on effect of this for the organisation.
How do I comply with the New Worker Protection Act?
The new regulations will require a big cultural shift for many organisations but PeopleClear are here to help. We can offer consultancy support and, as part of the wider People Risk Solutions HR network, we have developed engaging workshops that will support your organisation to meet the new statutory requirements, and train your staff and managers in how to operate under the new laws.
Our 90 minute interactive workshop will take you through the new employment legislation using case studies to clearly demonstrate the impact of the new regulations. You’ll leave the workshop with action plans that can be implemented in your organisation immediately.
Contact us for more information and a pragmatic solution today.