# Construction firms urged to train staff to prevent workplace harassment

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/wolf-whistling-builders-face-extra-training-under-labours-banter-ban/
- Published: 2026-10-30T22:47:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-30T23:07:16+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16253869/Wolf-whistling-builders-face-extra-training-Labours-banter-ban.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Businesses must take all reasonable steps to prevent workplace harassment.
- Watchdog guidance outlines 14 changes for a fictional construction firm.
- Conservative criticism contrasts with the Government’s stated aim to tackle misogyny.

## Summary

New rules under the Employment Rights Act 2025 require businesses to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual and other harassment of staff, including harassment by customers. Guidance from the Equality and Human Rights Commission says employers must address workplace cultures that create a risk of harassment, including on construction sites.

The guidance uses a fictional large construction firm with a male-dominated workforce and a culture of crude banter as an example. It lists 14 potential changes, including writing to clients and contractors about its stance and training staff in inclusion, respectful behaviour and reporting harassment. Conservative business spokesman Julia Lopez criticised the requirements as extra red tape, while Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson said the Government was working with businesses to tackle misogyny.

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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.