In Autumn of 2022, the Trade Union Side in The Department for Communities (DfC), on the recommendation of the DfC Female Reps Working Group, agreed to survey all the members in DfC on the impact of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.
Preventing & Tackling Sexual Harassment at Work was the theme for the Trade Union Congresses of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) and this survey tied in with this campaign.
The survey was totally confidential and anonymous, and received over 500 responses. The results were concerning, and highlighted a need for greater awareness, training and visibility of the need to tackle the issue of sexual harassment at work and of the prevalence that still exists within the workplace for this behaviour. The survey showed that 35% of the respondents had experienced some form of sexual harassment and that 74% of those were woman. The DfC TUS then produced a report of the findings and recommendations for how to tackle the issues raised and the report was formally launched with the backing of NIPSA's Equality Committee in March 2023.
As part of that commitment to tackle the issues, DfC Trade Union Side presented the findings to the senior management within the department. They received a clear commitment, backed by the Permanent Secretary and the entire senior management team, to take forward measures to tackle the issues raised within the report, including a commitment to promote a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment in the workplace and to take steps to improve awareness and understanding of the issues and fall out caused by this type of unacceptable behaviour.
If you are affected by any of the subjects in this report please contact your line manager, Harassment Contact Officer, a local TU Representative or the DfC Trade Union Office.
Please see attached a copy of the report and its findings.
Thomas McKillop
Assistant Secretary