Sainsbury’s has signed a legally binding document with the EHRC after being found liable for sexual harassment against a member of staff. While Sainsbury’s had made improvements to its understanding, policies, practices and procedures since the judgement, the EHRC suggested entering into a Section 23 agreement under the Equality Act 2006, which is due to last for 18 months from this summer. The agreement requires Sainsbury’s to take all reasonable steps to prevent its employees from committing harassment and includes: (i) preparing a discrimination guide for line managers and employees; (ii) advising staff on how to deal with harassment through internal communications; (iii) establishing more effective training for its workforce; and, (iv) providing regular reports to the EHRC on its progress.
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