The Employment Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Act 2017 has been proclaimed.
This disclosure has come from acting Chief Labour Officer Victor Felix who said the Act commenced by proclamation on December 15, 2017.
Felix stated: “Under the Act, every employer must ensure that within six months of its commencement, a clear written policy statement against sexual harassment within the workplace is prepared and presented to each employee.
“The employer must also ensure that procedures are put in place to assist every employee in understanding the policy statement. In addition, the statement must be presented to each employee at the commencement of employment.”
The acting Chief Labour Officer explained that the policy statement may contain “any term that is consistent with the Act”. He added, however, that it must comprise the terms as set out in the Schedule to the Act.
According to him, under the Act, employers are encouraged to consult with employees and their representatives in the establishment of the policy statement.
“The general public, employers, employees and their respective representatives are asked to take note of the provisions of the Act and be guided accordingly,” he stressed.
For further information and guidance, persons may consult the Employment Sexual Harassment (Prevention) Act, 2017-21, or call the Labour Department. (Labour Department/SA/BGIS)
