International Women’s Day: Liz Saville Roberts calls for stronger protections against violence and harassment at work

‘We must use all the powers we have at our disposal to keep women safe’ – Liz Saville Roberts MP

Today (Thursday 6 March), ahead of International Women’s Day, Plaid Cymru’s Westminster leader, Liz Saville Roberts MP has delivered a speech in Parliament urging stronger protections against gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace.

Highlighting the urgent need for action, Ms Saville Roberts introduced the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill, which is set for its second reading on 7 March.

Developed in collaboration with the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Rights of Women, the Bill seeks to amend the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to place a legal requirement on employers to take proactive measures to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace.

It also provides enhanced protections for women and girls and requires the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to develop and publish a comprehensive framework on workplace violence and harassment.

Currently, the HSE does not classify gender-based violence as a workplace hazard and is not regarded as the primary authority for issues such as harassment, bullying, or domestic abuse in professional settings. This Bill would change that, ensuring that gender-based violence is addressed as a serious workplace safety issue.

During a debate in the House of Commons to note International Women’s Day, Liz Saville Roberts MP said:

“When we talk about a gender equal society, let’s be clear about where we mean. In the home, in public spaces, in the workplace.

“A 2023 TUC poll found that three in five women had experienced sexual harassment, bullying or verbal abuse in the workplace.

And reports of sexual assault, rape, stalking and coercive control from colleagues make up 56% of calls made to Rights of Women’s Sexual Harassment at Work advice line. But as it stands, protections are limited.

“The Workers Protection Act 2023 created a “preventative duty” for employers to take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.

“But an automatic investigation into a breach of this duty only takes place after an individual successfully brings a claim of sexual harassment. And many other forms of gender-based violence in the workplace are excluded.

“Meanwhile, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 already places a duty on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees at work.

“So why not use the toughest mechanism we have in the workplace to tackle workplace gender-based harassment and violence too?

“That’s exactly what my Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill, developed with the brilliant Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Rights of Women, seeks to do.”

Ms Saville Roberts closed:

“If these are the differences we wish to make to women’s lives in the workplace, let us use all the powers we have at our disposal and make them work for women more effectively than they presently do.”