Worker Protection Act Compliance: What Employers Need to Know in 2025
The Worker Protection Act 2023 (in force since 26 Oct 2024) amends the Equality Act 2010 to require UK employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment. Compliance means updated policies, regular training, safe reporting routes, documented risk assessment, and evidence of preventative action; tribunal awards may rise by up to 25% for breaches.
How to Comply with the Worker Protection Act 2023
The Worker Protection Act 2023 came into force in October 2024
The Worker Protection Act 2023 requires UK employers to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment at work and ensure compliance with the Equality Act.
We have broken down the critical changes every UK employer must understand, helping you meet compliance, protect your people, and create a workplace culture built on safety and respect.
Act now with imabi Pro to prevent risks and avoid costly penalties.
The new duty under the Worker Protection Act represents a meaningful change in how workplace safety is regulated.
imabi helps you meet these expectations practically and confidently - while supporting a healthier, more respectful culture.
Contact us today to learn how imabi can support your organisation in meeting the requirements of the Worker Protection Act
Understanding the Worker Protection Act
What it is | What it means | How to respond
What the Worker Protection Act 2023 changes
The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 is a UK law designed to strengthen workplace protections against sexual harassment.
Coming into force in October 2024, the Act introduced a new legal duty for employers: to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment before it happens.
This marks a major shift from the previous framework, where employers were judged mainly on their response after incidents occurred. Now, the law places a clear expectation on prevention, compliance, and proactive safeguarding.
What Does This Mean for Employers?
The Worker Protection Act places a greater responsibility on employers to create safe and respectful workplace environments. Key implications for UK employers:
New legal duty: employers must take reasonable preventative steps to stop sexual harassment before it occurs
Stronger enforcement by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
Higher penalties: employment tribunals can uplift compensation awards by up to 25% if the duty is breached
Proactive compliance: organisations must show evidence of active measures to reduce risk
Applies to all employers: regardless of sector or size, every organisation must comply
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The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 creates a proactive legal duty on UK employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of workers. It strengthens protections under the Equality Act 2010 and is currently in force.
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Yes. The duty came into force on 26 October 2024. Employers should already be taking and evidencing reasonable preventative steps, supported by EHRC guidance published ahead of commencement.
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All UK employers across public and private sectors. It covers workers broadly (employees, some contractors/agency staff) and anticipates risks including harassment by third parties such as clients or customers.
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Clear anti-harassment policies, regular and role-appropriate training, safe and anonymous reporting routes, prompt investigation and follow-up, documented risk assessments, action plans for higher-risk scenarios, and ongoing monitoring with records.
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On a successful sexual-harassment claim, tribunals can increase compensation awards by up to 25% if an employer breached the preventative duty. The EHRC can also investigate and take enforcement action.
How imabi Helps You Meet the Requirements
imabi provides a simple, effective way for organisations to take action in line with the expectations of the Worker Protection Act
Our platform, imabi Pro, supports you in building a culture of prevention, visibility, and accountability
Confidential Reporting Tools
imabi enables staff to report concerns quickly and safely, including anonymous options. This helps employers act early and demonstrates a commitment to listening.
Visibility and Insight
Track themes, trends, and outcomes with real-time dashboards. This helps you identify risk areas and take targeted, meaningful action.
Clear Documentation and Audit Trails
imabi keeps a secure record of reports, actions, and communications - providing the evidence you need to demonstrate compliance if called upon.
Prevention by Design
imabi makes it easy to share policies, reinforce expected behaviours, and deliver training that’s accessible and engaging - laying the groundwork for a respectful workplace.
Let imabi Help You Use The Worker Protection Act Positively
Get in Touch
For more information about the Worker Protection Act and how imabi can help, please contact us