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Wolf-whistling builders face compulsory 'respectful behaviour' training as Labour's 'banter ban' reaches building sites, watchdog guidance warns

Construction workers on a site like those the EHRC's 141-page guidance requires to send formal letters to clients outlining a "refreshed stance on tackling sexual harassment.
Construction workers on a site like those the EHRC's 141-page guidance requires to send formal letters to clients outlining a "refreshed stance on tackling sexual harassment.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission published 141 pages of guidance as Angela Rayner's Employment Rights Act 2025 came into force Friday, setting out 14 specific changes a fictional construction firm must make to comply. Bosses who fail to act face legal challenges and heavy fines under the new regime. The EHRC singled out construction as a sector at "high risk of sexual harassment" because of its male-dominated workforce and "culture of crude banter."

Compliant firms must send formal letters to all clients and contractors outlining a "refreshed stance on tackling sexual harassment."

Tory business spokesman Julia Lopez warned Labour is creating a climate where employers are "walking on eggshells" over innocent staff comments.

Whitehall's decision to hand trade unions sweeping new rights under the same legislation has been called "just wrong" by critics.

MoreGB NewsWoke row: British builders who wolf-whistle will be forced to take 'respectful behaviour' trainingDaily MailWolf-whistling builders face training under Labour's 'banter ban'The TimesWhitehall giving trade unions more rights is just wrong
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