Sexual harassment is unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. When it happens at work, it is a form of discrimination under the Equality Act, and the employer may face a claim for vicarious liability.
Sexual harassment could include:
Making sexual jokes or suggestions
Asking somebody about their sex life
Sharing sexualised or pornographic images
Unwanted physical contact
A sexualised culture which, although not aimed at one individual, makes an employee uncomfortable
Sexual harassment is unlawful whether it is carried out by somebody of the opposite sex or the same sex.
Employers should do everything it can to prevent sexual harassment. If not, the person being harassed may be able to bring a claim against the employer for vicarious liability. They could also be breaching their contract of employment by failing in their duty to protect the wellbeing of their employees.
Harassment (unwanted conduct which creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment) in relation to a protected characteristic is also a form of discrimination. Sex-based harassment does not have a sexual nature but is related to the characteristic of sex. For example, telling jokes that generalise all men or women, or using sexist insults.