According to UK law, sexual harassment is unwanted conduct or behaviour related to sex, or of a sexual nature, which has the purpose or effect of:

• violating the other’s dignity, or
• creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

The legal definition also encompasses less favourable treatment because of rejection (or submission) of unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or related to gender reassignment or sex.

The law can apply to one-off incidents, or to patterns of behaviour. We must not underestimate the cumulative effect a pattern of ‘low-level’, even unintentional, sexual harassment can have on the victim. At its worst, sexual harassment destroys careers, and damages mental health.

Getting support if you have experienced sexual harassment

If you’re a Bectu member and you’re unsure whether a situation you’re experiencing classifies as harassment, please speak to your local representative or contact us.

Freelance members

Bectu is launching a new sexual harassment support service with a pilot for our freelance members. If you are a Bectu freelance member, fill in our contact form and our specially trained team will be in touch.

Download our guide

Download Bectu‘s workplace guide to dealing with sexual harassment