Cases of sexual harassment remain “alarmingly high” despite societal progressions, a new report states.
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has found that while the #MeToo movement has encouraged people to speak more openly about sexual misconduct, it has not impacted the number of individual harassment cases.
Previous research conducted by the TUC found that more than half of women – and nearly two-thirds of women aged 18 to 24 – have experienced sexual harassment at work.
In its new report, the organisation is urging the government to make changes to the law in order to prevent further cases.
TUC’s general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The #MeToo movement has helped people speak more openly about sexual harassment.
“But talking about the problem isn’t going to fix it. The government must stop dragging its feet and change the law.
“Employers, not victims, should be responsible for tackling harassment at work.”
The report marks the start of the organisation’s annual HeartUnions week, which according to the TUC’s website is a “week of activity throughout England and Wales that highlights the good work that unions do every day to offer everyone a voice at work”.
This year, the week centres around the theme of putting an end to sexual harassment at work.
“We’re calling on everyone who wants to stop sexual harassment to join us this HeartUnions week, and demand ministers take action now,” Ms O’Grady added.
