Campaigner calls for new sexual harassment laws

Poppy Murray says Guernsey need to follow the UK in passing laws to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace

Guernsey needs to follow the UK to bring in legislation to prevent sexual harassment in the work place, according to a campaigner tackling violence against women and girls.

The Worker Protection Act comes into force on Saturday in the UK and is an amendment of the Equality Act.

It puts the onus on employers to make "reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of employees".

Campaigner Poppy Murray said: "It's encouraging that this legislation is coming in but if Guernsey don't follow suit then questions need to be asked."

'There is always someone'

Ms Murray added: "Every single organisation I've worked with be it private or public sector, there is always someone usually multiple people, who have had experiences of sexual harassment."

Currently in Guernsey an employee can make a complaint of harassment under the Sex Discrimination (Employment) (Guernsey) Ordinance of 2005.

For people in Guernsey the new law in the UK will mean anyone in the island who works with a UK employer will be protected.

The States have been contacted for a comment