No one should have to suffer sexual harassment at work, but if you have been made to feel uncomfortable in the workplace as a result of sexual harassment, Employment Law Edinburgh can help. We are a team of experienced employment lawyers with decades of experience in helping employees bring sexual harassment claims. We understand that sexual harassment at work may not only affect your career, but your personal life and even the lives of your loved ones. Our lawyers are understanding of your circumstances and will fight to get you the compensation and resolution you deserve.
Many employees find bringing a claim against employer intimidating, particularly in cases of sexual harassment. We are sympathetic to the fact that you may feel embarrassed discussing what happened to you, but we will strive to make you feel comfortable and guide you through the process. We can often resolve sexual harassment cases without going to an Employment Tribunal, reducing the stress you may experience. We offer a free initial consultation with no obligation to continue, so you can find out how best to proceed. We can often work with clients on a no win, no fee basis and we will discuss this with you when you contact ask.
Contact us on 0131 322 1032 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you without delay.
Sexual Harassment at Work Legal Advice in Edinburgh
Under the law, employees are protected from sexual harassment in the workplace. However, our lawyers still handle many cases each year. Coming forward can often make victims of sexual harassment feel distressed, confused or angry - this is normal, and our solicitors will understand.
What amounts to sexual harassment in the workplace under the law?
Sexual harassment in the workplace can take many forms. From our experience, we know that even the subtlest forms of harassment can have a great impact on how you feel at work, and can create a toxic working environment. If you have been the victim of any form of behaviour of a sexual nature, such as jokes, ‘banter’, unwanted advances or inappropriate contact, you may be able to bring a claim against your employer for sexual harassment in the workplace.
We routinely assist clients who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace by the following means:
- Spoken harassment of a sexual nature
- Written harassment of a sexual nature
- Threats or abuse
- Offensive emails
- Offensive social media posts
- Displays of physical behaviour of a sexual nature
- Jokes or pranks
- Any other unwelcome conduct
The behaviour does not need to be objectively offensive in order to constitute sexual harassment. If you have been made to feel degraded or humiliated, or if the behaviour has resulted in a hostile or intimidating working atmosphere, this may be enough to make a successful claim for sexual harassment.
However, the inappropriate behaviour must have taken place in the course of employment. This can extend to social activities and outside of work hours, but generally only at work-related events such as the office Christmas party, or when travelling for work. It is possible to bring a claim for sexual harassment that occured during a non-work-related event, however it must have had a significant effect on the working environment. This can be difficult to evidence and prove.
It is important to understand that it does not need to be your superior or boss that subjected you to the sexual harassment in order to bring a claim against your employer. Under the law, your employer has an obligation to ensure that employees are not subject to sexual harassment in the workplace. To meet their obligation under the law, employers must take all complaints about sexual harassment seriously, actively monitor behaviour for potential sexual harassment and train staff members in what constitutes inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workplace.
How can I bring a claim for sexual harassment in the workplace?
If you want to bring a claim for sexual harassment in the workplace, it is important to act quickly. Sexual harassment claims are subject to strict time limits. In the first instance, you should contact a specialist employment lawyer with experience in handling sexual harassment claims. Our lawyers will guide you through the process, gather evidence and build the strongest possible case for you.
We will make a complaint to your employer on your behalf, and where possible work with them, to negotiate a fair settlement. Where you feel you are not able to continue working for your employer, we will also seek favourable terms for leaving the workplace and a compensation payment, as well as any other terms that are necessary for you to move forward in your working life.
If we cannot reach a successful agreement and your employer has not dealt with the complaint in a way we deem to be satisfactory, we can escalate your claim and bring your case before an Employment Tribunal. The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) must be notified of your complaint within three months less one day from the specific act of discrimination, or where the discrimination is ongoing, from the date of the last act. This means that there is no time to delay in getting legal advice. Contact our team today.
Contact our Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Lawyers Today
To discuss whether you can bring a claim for sexual harassment in the workplace, contact our team today.
Our lawyers at Employment Law Edinburgh are very familiar with the equality legislation in the UK and are regularly involved in advising people who believe that they have been the subject of sexual harassment in the workplace. We will work with you to try and address the situation, and represent you at an Employment Tribunal if this is needed.
Contact us on 0131 322 1032 or complete our online enquiry form and we will get back to you without delay.
