Union boss says workplace cultures must change as too many allow abuse to flourish

Union boss says workplace cultures must change as too many allow abuse to flourish EXCLUSIVE: TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak urged ministers to give employers clear guidance on new sexual harassment law to protect women from predators in the workplace Ministers have been urged to spell out requirements for bosses on rooting out sexual harassment at work in the wake of Russell Brand's conviction and accusations against David Walliams. TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak warned that “sexual predators exist in television studios, offices, warehouses, hospitals, shops, and yes, in the trade union movement too”, as he said too many workplaces have cultures that allow abuse to flourish. It comes after Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy warned TV bosses the Government will not hesitate to take action if they fail to protect women from celebrity abusers. Brand, 51, was sentenced to more than a decade in prison on Monday after being found guilty of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others in a trial at Southwark Crown Court. On Friday the Metropolitan Police launched an investigation into Mr Walliams over reports of "alleged serious sexual offences". It comes after several women separately accused the entertainer of sexual misconduct in an investigation by the Guardian and ITV. Walliams has previously denied wrongdoing. Changes to the law under the Employment Rights Act last month said employers are required to take reasonable steps to stop sexual harassment. But the Government has not set out clearly what this means for bosses in law. Writing in the Mirror, Mr Nowak said: “The uncomfortable truth is that even in 2026 too many workplaces still have cultures and systems that allow abuse to flourish and fail women when they report it. "In most cases the perpetrator is a male colleague. Nearly one in five women say the harassment came from their direct manager or another person with power over them. That is why new workplace protections introduced by the government last month are so important. For the first time employers have a legal duty to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment, including harassment by customers, clients and other third parties. This is a significant shift." He added: "The government has promised to set out clearly what employers must do to meet their new responsibilities. Ministers now need to get on with it so every employer understands exactly what is expected of them. "There are not just a 'few bad apples'. Sexual predators exist in television studios, offices, warehouses, hospitals, shops, and yes, in the trade union movement too. They thrive in cultures where complaints are dismissed, rumours are ignored and too many people stay silent. "Under the changes to the law, employers are required to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment before it occurs, which could include having a clear reporting policy or training staff. Protections have also been expanded to third parties so bosses are also expected to protect staff from clients and customers." A Government spokesperson said: “There must be no hiding place for those who abuse their position. Strengthening the law to better protect women at work is an essential step as we work to shift attitudes and build a society where women can live freely. “The EHRC and Acas have updated their guidance on workplace sexual harassment. Employers need to take preventative steps, as well as have clear reporting channels, and training for staff to understand what sexual harassment is, what to do if they experience or witness it, and how to handle reports of harassment..”