Employment Rights Act 2025
Strengthen protection from harassment
From 30 October 2026, the Employment Rights Act 2025 strengthens protections from harassment. Employers must take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment and not permit the harassment of their employees by third parties. The third party harassment covers all types of harassment under the Equality Act 2010, including sexual harassment and harassment related to protected characteristic apart from pregnancy and maternity, and marriage and civil partnership. It also expands whistleblowing protection to disclosures of sexual harassment from 6 April 2026.
Local action will be key. If someone raises a concern, listen without judgement, consider any immediate risk and seek advice. You are not expected to manage a complex concern alone.
Across NHSG, managers and supervisors should check where risks could arise. Staff may face sexual harassment from patients, relatives, visitors, contractors or others they meet at work. Everyone has an important role to play in preventing sexual harassment and creating a workplace where inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated.
Set clear expectations, identify where risks could arise and address inappropriate conduct early.
Find information about recognising, preventing, responding and accessing support and advice to sexual harassment on the Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
Staff are encouraged to access e-Learning modules in Turas: Preventing and responding to sexual harassment, Responding to a disclosure of rape or sexual assault, and Gender-based violence learning resources.
Updated guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
On 30 October, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) published the updated guidance on harassment at work, and also updated 8-step guide for employers on preventing workplace sexual harassment.
No one should be expected to deal with a concern alone. Support includes:
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If you need… |
Contact… |
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Initial support within your service or department |
Your line manager or another appropriate manager |
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Informal support, information and signposting if you have, or are considering raising, a whistleblowing concern |
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NHS Grampian online anonymous reporting of discrimination, harassment or prejudice incident |
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To raise a concern about wrongdoing, patient safety, working conditions or workplace culture |
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Advice if you believe that you or a colleague has experienced bullying or harassment Guidance on HR policies, terms and conditions, casework or other employment matters |
O1224 552888 |
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Trade unions and professional organisations |
Contact your Trade Union Rep How to join (Intranet) |
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Confidential, inclusive emotional, spiritual or bereavement support, regardless of faith or belief |
Spiritual Care (Intranet) |
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Specialist advice and support about health, wellbeing or work-related concerns |
Occupational Health Services (Intranet) |
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Staff health and wellbeing portal |
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Scotland-wide online resources that provides free mental, physical and wellbeing support for everyone working in health and social care. |
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NHS healthcare following rape or sexual assault, including access to a forensic medical examination where appropriate |
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Confidential support relating to domestic abuse or forced marriage, including support for family members, friends, colleagues and professionals |
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Free, confidential and culturally sensitive support for Muslim and Minority Ethnic women, including support relating to domestic abuse |
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Confidential information, emotional support, safety planning and refuge support for women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse |
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Advice on managing risks involving work-related violence, aggression or staff safety |
Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (Intranet) |
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Information about asking Police Scotland whether someone has a history of domestic abuse |
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Confidential support for anyone aged 13 or over affected by sexual violence, including survivors and people supporting them |
For more information, please contact Equality and Diversity gram.equalitydiversity@nhs.scot
This information is also available as a pdf
Published: 04/11/2026 15:43