Workers Policy Project Launches “End Not Defend” Campaign
Workers Policy Project Launches “End Not Defend” Campaign to Tackle Sexual Harassment and Strengthen Victim Protections
Ranjit O’Mahony, senior solicitor in our employment team spoke at the campaign launch event, which was held at Westminster on Wednesday 15 January.
Workers Policy Project, in collaboration with a growing coalition of trade unions and community organisations, has launched the End Not Defend campaign — a bold initiative aimed at eradicating sexual harassment in workplaces by prioritising victims over corporate interests and demanding stronger legislation to protect victims of sexual harassment.
The campaign seeks to reshape how sexual harassment cases are handled, ensuring that victims are protected, supported, and empowered, while companies that prioritise reputation over justice face legal consequences. The initiative will work closely with lawmakers, unions, and advocacy groups to push for legislative reforms that hold businesses and individuals accountable.
Jessie Hoskin, Director of Workers Policy Project said: “Sexual harassment in the workplace is not just an HR issue – it’s a systemic failure that thrives in environments where company image comes before human dignity. It’s time to end the culture of silence and defense. This campaign aims to put survivors first and make harassment a relic of the past.”
The campaign will focus on three core pillars:
- Stronger Legislation – Advocating for laws that enforce companies to act and end sexual harassment rather than the current approach, which is a tick box to protect themselves if they are taken to an employment tribunal or court. And that the HSE is brought as the enforcement body.
- Survivor-centred Approach – Establishing frameworks such as reporting procedures that ensure victims have access to legal support and workplace protections without fear of retaliation.
- Accountability and Transparency – Calling for annual public reporting on harassment cases and demanding that organisations demonstrate their commitment to ending workplace abuse.
Ranjit O’Mahony said: “Changes are desperately needed as the law simply does not go far enough to protect those most vulnerable. It is clear from claimants that I speak to that many do not report the harassment for quite some time, hoping it will stop. Many are in fear of repercussions or retaliation from their employer, or fear that they won’t be believed. Many are simply too afraid to speak out.”
Trade unions, grassroots organisations, and community leaders have already begun rallying behind the initiative, recognising that a collective response is essential to dismantle systemic inequalities in the workplace.
Ian Hodson President BFAWU, a key partner in the coalition added: “No one should have to choose between their safety and their livelihood. This campaign is about power – shifting it away from those who abuse it and into the hands of those who have been wronged.”
To support the campaign, you can write to your MP today asking them to support real protections against workplace harassment on the website here: End Not Defend – Workers Policy Project
