SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPENSATION

We deal with claims on behalf of employees relating to employment matters including advising on sexual harassment compensation claims. We do not act for employers. Our solicitors are experts in their field and where possible they negotiate settlement failing which they will make application to an Employment Tribunal to resolve any dispute.

The Sex Discrimination Act makes it illegal for employers to subject an employee to sexual harassment and it includes those who are undergoing gender re-assignment. The act applies without time limit on the length of employment and regardless of the number of hours worked. Compensation that may be awarded as damages is unlimited. This statute also protects those who are :-

• in a business partnership
• members of a trade union
• members of a professional association
• members of a body that issues qualifications required to carry out a trade or profession

There are two main types of sexual harassment at work both of which are illegal under the act and may also be illegal under other related legislation :-

• Conduct that is not welcomed based on gender :-
  This type of conduct must be done with the intent or effect of violating dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. This type of conduct does not have to be sexual in nature and can involve any type of bullying but it must be shown that the offender would not have treated a member of the opposite sex in the same way.
• Physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature that is not welcomed which must be done with the intent or effect of violating dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment:-
  Incidents involving any type of physical contact are criminal offences and should be reported to the police. Incidents falling short of physical contact are unlawful under the Act and may involve :-
  • demeaning remarks about the way you look
  • indecent comments
  • queries about your sexual habits
  • demands or requests for sexual contact

If sexual harassment occurs outside work hours but at an event connected, even vaguely, to work it may be possible to make a claim for compensation to the Employment Tribunal which considers these events to have occurred in an extension to the workplace. Office parties or meeting with work colleagues for a drink in a pub after work of even a works based dinner party could be considered as a workplace extention thereby making the employer liable for any unlawful actions.

Our solicitors operate the no win no fee scheme and make no charge whatsoever if the claim is lost. Our claims are totally risk free. If compensation is recovered on your behalf then costs are charged based on a percentage of the total sum recovered. This figure is agreed in advance and there are no hidden extras. You know exactly where you stand from the very beginning. If you would like to discuss your potential claim with a specialist lawyer with no charge and with no obligation just use the helpline or complete and send the contact form.