"Media spotlight on sexual harassment is changing British workplaces" says Acas poll

1 in 4 workers believe media coverage of sexual harassment has improved workplace culture, according to a new survey. Workplace expert, Acas, commissioned YouGov to survey:- 1,000 employees in Great Britain. The poll found that nearly a quarter (24%) agreed that recent international media coverage of sexual harassment has had a positive impact on their workplace culture.

The full survey results were:-

• Strongly agree; 5%.
   

• Tend to agree; 19%.
   

• Neither agree nor disagree; 46%.
   

• Tend to disagree; 7%.
   

• Strongly disagree; 5%.
   

• Don't know; 18%.

Since 6 April 2026, Legislation.Gov.UK, sexual harassment became a:- 'qualifying disclosure' under the:- 'Employment Rights Act 2025.' This means whistleblowers making a sexual harassment disclosure have protection from detriment and unfair dismissal.

Acas Head of Inclusive Workplaces, Julie Dennis, said:- "The Me Too movement empowered many victims to speak out about unacceptable sexual harassment behaviours at work. Our poll reveals that global media coverage of these types of cases and others have improved workplace culture for nearly a quarter of workers across the country. I welcome this progress, but it's clear that more work needs to be done, and employers should always be mindful that they have a duty to proactively tackle sexual harassment. Acas has advice in this area, which includes the recent new law change that helps to protect and strengthen the rights of whistleblowers who report sexual harassment at work."

Sexual harassment is unwanted behaviour of a sexual nature. Acas encourages all employers to create a sexual harassment policy if they do not already have 1 and to make sure that managers are trained properly and take any complaint of sexual harassment seriously. Sexual harassment can happen to men, women and people of any sexual orientation. It can be carried out by anyone of the same sex, another sex or anyone of any sexual orientation. Employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. They must not wait until something has happened before they take action Bosses can be held responsible for the actions of their workers. They also have a responsibility to look after the wellbeing of their workers.

For more information please visit:- Acas.Org.UK.