It’s Time to Call Them Out

This landmark bill bans exploitative zero-hours contracts, puts an end to the disgraceful practice of fire and rehire, strengthens maternity and paternity rights, and introduces new bereavement leave so workers have the right to grieve when they lose a loved one — including those suffering miscarriages.

But one particular measure has sparked a shameful and frankly disgusting reaction online. The new law will require employers to take "reasonable steps" to prevent staff from being sexually harassed at work. To put that in context, it means that if your daughter, granddaughter, wife, or girlfriend is working in a pub or bar and a customer sexually harasses her, the manager would be legally required to take reasonable action to protect her.

What on Earth could be wrong with that? Well, some online — egged on by disgraceful nonsense from the Conservatives and Reform (are they even different anymore?) — have tried to spin this as a "ban on banter."

Let’s be clear: sexual harassment is not banter. Subjecting someone to degrading and humiliating abuse that leaves them feeling upset, scared, humiliated, or unsafe is not "a bit of fun." Speaking as a father and a husband, I know exactly how I would respond if someone thought it was acceptable to treat the women in my life that way.

Legislating to protect workers from this vile behaviour is absolutely the right thing to do. To weaponise such an important issue for political ends makes you an enemy of women — plain and simple.

So, my advice when you see this kind of rubbish online? Challenge it. Ask for evidence. If someone claims I or anyone else voted for something, demand they show you the legislation. The beauty of living in a democracy is that everything I do as your MP — every vote, every speech, every question — is publicly available.

The Employment Rights Bill will improve life for workers across Hartlepool, including protecting women from sexual harassment. I’m proud to have voted for it.