Understanding the meaning of Harassment

Recent allegations which have hit the headlines regarding sexual harassment – in the film industry, politics, fashion and the art world – have prompted us to consider what constitutes this behaviour across our own workplaces.

The legal definition often surprises many because in everyday language the word harassment is often used in the same way as bullying, advises Jane Rawlins, HR advisor to Crown Workforce Management.

Harassment in law, is about behaviour and is related to other characteristics which are also illegal to discriminate against including age, gender, race and religion.

The law defines harassment as unwanted conduct which: