Preventing Sexual Harassment at Work: Employer Duties from October 2026

What the resource helps with

Are you doing enough to prevent sexual harassment at work?

From 30 October 2026, employers must take all reasonable steps to prevent it. That means looking at the risks in your business and taking action before someone raises a complaint.

This guide helps you understand the strengthened duty, your responsibilities around harassment by customers, clients and other third parties, and the practical steps to review in your workplace.

What's included

• An overview of the preventative duty and why it matters for small businesses
• Practical steps for reviewing policies, providing training and assessing workplace risks
• Guidance on clear reporting channels and handling concerns
• Examples of sexual harassment involving clients, customers, contractors and visitors
• Actions to help reduce third-party harassment risks
• How to monitor workplace culture, review your approach and keep records of preventative action

When to Use the Resource

Use this guide to review your approach following the October 2026 changes, refresh manager training or prepare for work events and situations where employees interact with customers or clients.

You don’t need to wait for a complaint to check whether your safeguards are working.