Report shows high levels of sexual harassment at work

New research suggests that nearly two thirds of women have been the victim of inappropriate behaviour from a male work colleague, with 21% of those classing the behaviour as persistent.

The research, commissioned by Slater & Gordon, also found that the main culprits were more senior members of staff and married men.

Although many women found the behaviour degrading and embarrassing, only 27% reported it to a more senior colleague.

The research, which involved 1,579 people, also found almost 40% of the men surveyed said they had been victims of sexual harassment.

Of the 24% of women who had fought off the advances of a superior colleague, 5% lost their job after the incident, and more than one in 10 said they had been subsequently turned down for a promotion.

Shadow women and equalities minister Gloria De Piero said: "This research shows just how far we still have to travel on women's equality. We should be doing more to empower women to challenge this behaviour and come forward and report it to their employer."

If you feel you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment, please contact Ashley Hunt, Carrie-Ann Randall or Vaishali Thakerar at Lawson-West on 0116 212 1000.

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