Overview

• The UK Government's Employment Rights Bill seeks to hold employers accountable for preventing third-party harassment in workplaces, including pubs and offices.
• The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) warns the bill's provisions could disproportionately restrict freedom of expression, particularly on contentious topics like religion and gender identity.
• Employers may face challenges interpreting complex legal definitions, such as what constitutes a 'philosophical belief' under the Equality Act 2010, when addressing harassment claims.
• UKHospitality and other industry groups argue that the proposed rules would place an undue burden on employers, who are ill-equipped to navigate such legal complexities.
• The EHRC recommends further government analysis to balance protections against harassment with freedom of expression and ensure the legislation is enforceable and practical.