Sexual harassment at work solicitors

Sexual harassment at work is a serious and distressing issue that can leave you feeling powerless, anxious, and isolated. Whether the harassment is verbal, physical, or psychological, it can have a profound impact on your wellbeing, your confidence, and your career. 

If you’ve experienced unwanted sexual behaviour at work that makes you feel degraded or humiliated, you may be entitled to legal protection and compensation.

In this page, we’ll explain what legally counts as sexual harassment at work, your rights under UK employment law, and what steps you can take. We’ll also outline how Monaco Solicitors can help you with sexual harassment at work claims, from initial advice to pursuing legal action.

See also our Guide ‘Sexual harassment at work’ and Blog ‘Speaking out about sexual harassment’ for further detail.

Monaco Solicitors – expert solicitors for sexual harassment at work claims

At Monaco Solicitors, we specialise in representing employees and workers – never employers. Our team of experienced sexual harassment solicitors works exclusively for individuals like you who have been mistreated at work and want clear, professional legal advice and help to take legal action.

We have supported hundreds of clients with sexual harassment at work claims, helping them seek justice, secure compensation, and move on with their careers. Whether you’re still employed or have already left your job, we are here to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf.

We are based in London but work with clients across the UK via video call, phone and email. You can trust us to act sensitively and discreetly while vigorously pursuing your best interests.

 

What counts as sexual harassment in the workplace?

Under the Equality Act 2010, sexual harassment at work happens when someone engages in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates your dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Examples of sexual harassment at work:

• Inappropriate touching or physical contact
• Lewd comments, sexual jokes, or suggestive remarks
• Unwanted sexual advances or propositions
• Sharing sexually explicit images, videos or messages
• Repeatedly asking for dates despite being told ‘no’
• Spreading sexual rumours about you
• Making offensive gestures of a sexual nature

These types of behaviour are unlawful even if they happen only once, and especially when the conduct continues after you’ve made it clear it’s unwelcome.

Your legal rights and protections

As a victim of sexual harassment at work, you have the right to:

• Work in a safe, respectful environment 
• Make a formal grievance (ie complaint) to your employer 
• Be protected from retaliation or dismissal 
• Bring a legal claim to an employment tribunal 

Your employer is legally required to take reasonable steps to prevent harassment and to address it seriously if reported. They may be held responsible not only for their own actions but also for failing to deal with the behaviour of other staff members, managers, customers or clients.

If your complaint is mishandled or ignored, you may be entitled to bring a sexual harassment at work claim and seek compensation for the emotional harm and career damage you’ve suffered.

 

Steps you can take if you’re being harassed

If you believe you are experiencing sexual harassment, here are some steps to consider:

1. Document the harassment
Keep a record of what happened, including dates, times, places, who was involved, and any witnesses.

2. Tell the harasser to stop
You can do this in writing or in person (but only if it’s safe to do so). Clearly state that the behaviour is unwanted and unacceptable.

3. Speak to someone you trust
This could be a colleague, trade union rep, HR, or a mental health professional.

4. Raise an informal or formal complaint
Use your employer’s grievance procedure to report the harassment in writing.

5. Get legal advice from a sexual harassment solicitor
Don’t wait until the situation worsens. A specialist solicitor – like those at Monaco Solicitors –  can help you understand your options and rights.

 

Making a formal complaint or claim

If you’ve tried reporting sexual harassment at work and nothing has changed – or you feel unsafe doing so – you may want to explore making a legal claim.

Before going to an employment tribunal, you must notify Acas (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) and they will offer you what’s called Early Conciliation. This allows both parties to try to settle the dispute without going to court, although you don’t have to accept Early Conciliation if you want to use your own solicitor.

If Early Conciliation fails, or is declined by your employer, your solicitor can help you file a formal claim at the employment tribunal. This can include claims for:

• Injury to feelings 
• Loss of earnings or career opportunity 
• Aggravated damages where conduct has been particularly harmful 

Time limits apply: you usually have just 3 months (less one day) from the date of the last incident of harassment to bring a claim. Delays can weaken your case, and if you leave it until after the time limit, then you may not be able to bring a claim at all.  So it’s vital to get legal advice as early as possible.

 

How Monaco Solicitors support victims of workplace sexual harassment

Monaco Solicitors provides a range of legal services for individuals experiencing sexual harassment at work. These vary depending on the exact nature of your case, but typically include:

• Free initial consultation 
• Review of your evidence and situation 
• Advice on internal grievance procedures 
• Negotiating a settlement agreement for you  
• Advice on submitting a claim to an employment tribunal if necessary 

Our solicitors for sexual harassment in the workplace approach each case with care, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to your rights. Whether your case involves a peer, a manager, or senior leadership, we will pursue every legal avenue to hold the perpetrator accountable.

FAQs about sexual harassment

Here are some frequently asked questions – together with answers – about aspects of sexual harassment which we hope you will find helpful. 

Q. What constitutes sexual harassment in the workplace under UK law?

A. Sexual harassment involves unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that makes you feel intimidated, degraded or offended. It can be physical, verbal or non-verbal and does not need to be repeated to be unlawful.

Q. What are my legal rights if I’m experiencing sexual harassment at work in the UK?

A. You have the right to report the harassment, to be protected from retaliation, and to bring a claim to an employment tribunal. Your employer must take your complaint seriously and act appropriately.

Q. How do I formally report sexual harassment to my employer?

A. You can submit a written complaint using your employer’s grievance procedure. Be specific about what happened, when, where, and who was involved. Keep a copy for your records.

Q. What evidence do I need to support a sexual harassment claim?

A. Useful evidence includes written records, messages, emails, screenshots, witness statements, and notes about each incident. A solicitor can help you gather and present this effectively.

Q. What are the time limits for bringing a sexual harassment claim in the UK?

A. You generally have 3 months less one day from the last incident to start the claims process via Acas Early Conciliation. If you miss the deadline, your claim may be dismissed.

Q. Can I be dismissed or victimised for reporting sexual harassment?

A. It’s unlawful for an employer to punish you for speaking up. If you’re dismissed, demoted or treated unfairly for reporting harassment, you may have grounds for an additional legal claim.

Q. Are there any specific considerations for sexual harassment cases involving senior staff or managers?
A. Yes. Power dynamics, fear of retaliation, and confidentiality can complicate matters. A specialist solicitor will help ensure your complaint is handled properly and without bias, even against senior leadership.
 

Contact us for help with your sexual harassment case

If you’ve been the victim of sexual harassment at work, you don’t have to face it alone. Monaco Solicitors are specialist employment lawyers whose expert sexual harassment solicitors are here to help you get the justice you deserve. Get in touch:

Email: communications@monacosolicitors.co.uk
Call us: 020 7717 5259
Online: complete our online contact form and tell us what’s been happening.