Wales TUC launches survey in response to increase in workers reporting sexual harassment during Covid-19 pandemic

Results will help support union representatives in combatting perpetrators, and to campaign for an end to sexual harassment for everyone

Wales TUC has launched a survey in response to an increase in workers reporting sexual harassment during the Covid-19 pandemic

Introducing the survey, Wales TUC says -

'Some workers have reported colleagues making inappropriate comments about seeing inside their bedrooms or bosses making unreasonable demands of what they should wear on camera. Other workers have received inappropriate comments over staff whatsapp groups. Workers’ safety has also been put at risk during the pandemic with Covid regulations resulting in some workers having to be in a workplace alongside their perpetrator but in smaller groups than usual.'

Wales TUC adds that the survey is open to everyone who works in Wales, not just union members, and that its findings will be used to create new resources for union reps and to campaign for an end to sexual harassment for everyone.

Wales TUC General Secretary Shavanah Taj said today -

'Sexual harassment in the workplace is totally unacceptable. But we know that some employers allow bad behaviour to go unchecked and unchallenged. How many times have we heard sexual harassment in the workplace described as ‘just a bit of banter’? How many times have we heard 'it was just a joke, they didn't really mean it?

The trade union movement is absolutely vital to stamping out this behaviour. The results of our new sexual harassment survey will help us give reps the skills and know how needed to combat perpetrators and improve the safety and mental wellbeing of people at work.'

For more information, see Wales TUC launches investigation into sexual harassment at work from tuc.org.uk