Jingle all the way (safely) | Navigating office parties under the new Worker Protection Act

The new Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023, which came into force on 26 October 2024, introduced major changes that impact how employers should approach work-related events, including your Christmas do. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

What is the Worker Protection Act?

Let’s start with diving into what the Act means for you as an employer:

• Employers now have a duty to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment, including at work-related events. This means being proactive in ensuring a safe environment for all employees, even outside of the normal working hours.

• Employers can be held vicariously liable for acts of sexual harassment that occur during work-related events, even if these take place outside the workplace. This includes Christmas parties, where alcohol and informal settings can sometimes lead to inappropriate behaviour.

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