Employers should be extra vigilant during the office Christmas party season, when sexual harassment can be a particular problem, the TUC has said.  

Polling for the TUC discovered 1 in 7 victims of sexual harassment said it took place at a work social event. This number rises to 1 in 5 for women employed by small businesses. The union organisation suggests management send an email to staff in advance of a party spelling out the standard of behaviour that is expected of staff. “Remind them the party is still a work setting so normal company rules on behaviour will apply,” it says. The TUC adds that firms should make sure plenty of non-alcoholic drinks are available and that there are travel arrangements in place to ensure everyone gets home safely. “You might want to think about laying on transport home or providing phone numbers for reputable cab companies,” the TUC says. It says firms must treat any complaints following the Christmas party seriously and take action immediately, carrying out a full investigation if necessary. 

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said “workers and bosses should remember that they are still in a work setting. Nobody wants to offend another member of staff – or worse do something that might get them sacked just before Christmas.” She added: “Employers must be clear they have a zero-tolerance attitude to sexual harassment and treat any complaint seriously. Anyone worried about inappropriate sexual harassment at work should join a union to make sure they are protected and respected at work. I hope everyone uses their common sense and has a happy evening – and a great Christmas and New Year.”