‘Corrosive cultures’ silencing workplace victims

VICTIMS OF sexual harassment at work need better protection because their voices have been silenced by “corrosive” cultures, a report has said.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) called on the Government to introduce legislation stopping employers from ignoring complaints to protect their reputation.

The commission said it had discovered “truly shocking” examples of sexual harassment, including a 17-year-old who locked herself in a toilet after men “joked” about rape.

The commission said firms should not use non-disclosure agreements to sweep sexual harassment under the carpet.

There should be a new legal duty on employers to prevent harassment, as well as more protection for victims, said the EHRC. It also suggested that managers should be given training on how to tackle any problems.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, chief executive of the EHRC, said: “Corrosive cultures have silenced individuals and sexual harassment has been normalised. We underestimate extent and we are complacent as to impact.

“We need urgent action to turn the tables in British workplaces, shifting from the current culture of people risking their jobs and health in order to report harassment to placing the onus on employers to prevent and resolve it.

“It cannot be right that millions of people go to work fearing what might have happened by the time they come home.”

Meanwhile, a Coutts banker has resigned after facing increased pressure over allegations of harassment of female colleagues.

A spokeswoman for the private bank, which counts the Queen among its clients, confirmed that Harry Keogh stepped down with immediate effect last week.

It is understood that the decision came amid heightened pressure following a report by the

Wall Street Journal earlier this month.

It said Mr Keogh and a group of fellow bankers were the subject of an internal investigation in 2015 over alleged inappropriate behaviour, which included heavy drinking, lewd comments and unwanted physical contact with female colleagues.