Third-Party Harassment: UK Employers Face Growing Legal Risks

Third-Party Harassment in the Workplace: A Growing Concern In the UK, a recent increase in reported cases of third-party harassment in the workplace highlights a critical issue. Third-party harassment involves harassment by individuals outside the employing organization, such as clients or patients. The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on employers to take reasonable steps to prevent such harassment. "This is a real thing, especially in healthcare," says HR Mindshift, an HR professional who created a viral video on the topic. "Is your industry affected too? Have you complained and was anything done?" The video explains that employers can be held liable if they fail to address complaints of third-party harassment. Even seemingly minor incidents, such as repeated offensive jokes or name-calling, can be considered harassment if the employer is aware and fails to take action. The video offers valuable advice: report incidents immediately, keep detailed records, and follow up in writing if the harassment continues. This proactive approach can protect employees and limit potential legal liabilities for employers. The increasing awareness of third-party harassment underscores the need for robust workplace policies and effective complaint mechanisms. Employers must prioritize employee safety and well-being by actively addressing all forms of harassment, regardless of the harasser's affiliation with the company.