Tuesday, January 14, 2025

UK

Workers Policy Project Launches “End Not Defend” Campaign to Tackle Sexual Harassment and Strengthen Victim Protections


JANUARY 11, 2025

Workers Policy Project, in collaboration with a growing coalition of trade unions and community organisations, has announced the launch of the “End Not Defend” campaign – a bold initiative aimed at eradicating sexual harassment in workplaces by prioritising victims over corporate interests and demanding stricter laws for perpetrators and enablers.

The “End Not Defend” campaign seeks to reshape how sexual harassment cases are handled, ensuring that victims are protected, supported, and empowered, while companies that prioritise reputation over justice face legal consequences. The initiative will work closely with lawmakers, unions, and advocacy groups to push for legislative reforms that hold businesses and individuals accountable.

“Sexual harassment in the workplace is not just an HR issue – it’s a systemic failure that thrives in environments where company image comes before human dignity,” said Jessie Hoskin, Director of Workers Policy Project. “It’s time to end the culture of silence and defence. This campaign aims to put survivors first and make harassment a relic of the past.”

The campaign will focus on three core pillars:

     1.  Stronger Legislation – Advocating for laws that enforce companies to act and end sexual harassment rather than the current approach, which is a tick-box to protect themselves if they are taken to an employment tribunal or court. And that the Health and Safety Executive is brought in as the enforcement body.

     2.  Survivor-centred Approach – Establishing frameworks such as reporting procedures that ensure victims have access to legal support and workplace protections without fear of retaliation.

     3.  Accountability and Transparency – Calling for annual public reporting on harassment cases and demanding that organisations demonstrate their commitment to ending workplace abuse.

Trade unions, grassroots organisations and community leaders have already begun rallying behind the initiative, recognising that a collective response is essential to dismantle systemic inequalities in the workplace.

“No one should have to choose between their safety and their livelihood. This campaign is about power – shifting it away from those who abuse it and into the hands of those who have been wronged,” added Ian Hodson President BFAWU, a key partner in the coalition.

Write to your MP today asking them to support real protections against workplace harassment on the website here: End Not Defend – Workers Policy Project.

For more information or to get involved, visit Workers Policy Project 

The campaign launch event will be held in Westminster – House of Common Committee Room 5 starting 5pm on Wednesday 15th January.

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