[UK] Sexual harassment allegations cost councils £2.5m in five years

An investigation by The Observer has shown that local authorities in England and Wales have spent at least £2.5m in the past five years for costs connected with allegations of sexual harassment, Local Government Lawyer reports.

The data was obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. It revealed that, since 2018, 62 councils had spent more than £1,728,900 to cover the wage costs of staff who were suspended after allegations of sexual harassment.

According to reporting from The Observer there were, “...accusations ranging from indecent exposure, upskirting, inappropriate comments and sexual assault to stalking and abuse of power”.

A further £800,000 was reportedly paid out by six councils for sexual harassment claims, including legal fees, claimant costs and damages to victims.

According to The Observer, 103 councils refused to supply data or did not respond to the FoI request, suggesting that the total “will most likely be higher”.

In the same timeframe, at least 320 allegations of sexual harassment were reportedly made against local government staff. With 68 per cent made by colleagues and 32 per cent were lodged by members of the public, the investigation found.

Of the 225 councils that responded to the FOI request, nearly half (46 per cent) had received reports of sexual harassment.

Source: Local Government Lawyer

(Link and quotes via original reporting)

An investigation by The Observer has shown that local authorities in England and Wales have spent at least £2.5m in the past five years for costs connected with allegations of sexual harassment, Local Government Lawyer reports.

The data was obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. It revealed that, since 2018, 62 councils had spent more than £1,728,900 to cover the wage costs of staff who were suspended after allegations of sexual harassment.

According to reporting from The Observer there were, “...accusations ranging from indecent exposure, upskirting, inappropriate comments and sexual assault to stalking and abuse of power”.

A further £800,000 was reportedly paid out by six councils for sexual harassment claims, including legal fees, claimant costs and damages to victims.

According to The Observer, 103 councils refused to supply data or did not respond to the FoI request, suggesting that the total “will most likely be higher”.

In the same timeframe, at least 320 allegations of sexual harassment were reportedly made against local government staff. With 68 per cent made by colleagues and 32 per cent were lodged by members of the public, the investigation found.

Of the 225 councils that responded to the FOI request, nearly half (46 per cent) had received reports of sexual harassment.

Source: Local Government Lawyer

(Link and quotes via original reporting)