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City firms face rising compliance costs as sexual harassment bill passes

Worker Protection Bill is a 'significant legal and cultural change for employers' following sexual harassment scandals involving Odey and the CBI

Incoming legislation, happening six years on from Me Too, ‘sends a strong signal to employers that turning a blind eye to sexual harassment at work is no longer an option’
Incoming legislation, happening six years on from Me Too, ‘sends a strong signal to employers that turning a blind eye to sexual harassment at work is no longer an option’ Photo: Alberto Pezzali/Getty Images

City firms are about to come under pressure to beef up compliance teams and train staff to avoid running foul of new legislation to stop sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Worker Protection Bill, which was approved by MPs on 20 October and will soon become law, creates a standalone duty for bosses to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment.

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