# Employers must prevent harassment at work parties under new rules

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/bosses-told-to-act-like-the-fun-police-at-boozy-work-parties-after-labours-banter-ban-comes-into-force/
- Published: 2026-10-30T09:01:46+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T09:12:34+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16250457/Bosses-fun-police-boozy-work-parties-Labour-banter-ban.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Art, Culture, Geopolitics, Politics, World

## Key points

- Employers must take “all reasonable steps” to prevent harassment.
- Work parties and customer interactions are among the risks covered.
- New union access rules include fines of up to £500,000.

## Summary

The article reports that new rules under the Employment Rights Act 2025 require employers to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent harassment, including at work-related social events. The Equality and Human Rights Commission says risks may be greater when staff socialise outside working hours or drink alcohol, and plans to issue guidance on employers’ responsibilities.

From Friday, employers may be held liable for harassment by workers and third parties such as customers, contractors or members of the public if they have not taken the required steps to prevent it. Claims could lead to employment tribunals and uncapped compensation; the protected characteristics covered include age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation and gender reassignment. The article also says unions will gain new workplace access powers, with fines of up to £500,000 for businesses that refuse to engage.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.