As the festive season approaches, many young people across the UK take on temporary roles in the hospitality sector to earn extra income.
Pubs, restaurants, and hotels experience a significant uptick in staff during this period, with young adults and students making up a large portion of the workforce.
But it is not all festive cheer. A survey conducted by Unite the Union revealed that 90 percent of hospitality staff have experienced sexual harassment at work. This would be concerning in any industry, but is especially alarming in an industry that attracts many young workers.
“Late nights combined with drunk customers create a dangerous mix,” warns Ruth Sparkes, co-founder of SaferSpace, an organisation dedicated to preventing and reporting workplace harassment. “For many young people, it feels as though sexual harassment is just ‘part of the job.’ It isn’t – and it shouldn’t be tolerated.”
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Hospitality Jobs Attract Young Workforce
Recent data from the Office for National Statistics indicates that roughly one-third of workers in the hospitality industry are aged between 16 and 24. This demographic, particularly during the busy Christmas period, takes on roles in pubs, bars, and restaurants, which often involve long hours, late shifts, and close interactions with customers.
“These young workers often don’t know their rights or they’re afraid of speaking out, they don’t know where to turn,” says Sparkes. “The fear of losing their jobs or getting a bad reference creates an environment where sexual harassment can go unchecked.”
Female workers, in particular, face increased risks during this time. Alcohol-fuelled behaviour from patrons, combined with the demands of late-night working, creates an environment where harassment can occur.
A former bar worker shared her experience. She said, “During a Christmas party, a large group of men kept making crude comments about me, and they kept trying to touch me. When I reported it to my manager, he dismissed it, saying, ‘They’re just drunk – smile and get on with it… think of the tips!’ I felt completely helpless.”
New Legal Framework Against Workplace Harassment
To address the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace, the UK government has introduced the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act. This legislation places a new duty on employers to actively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. Importantly, it also extends protections to off-site events such as Christmas parties.
Employers are now required to implement preventative measures to safeguard their employees, ensuring that workplace policies effectively address harassment and provide a safe environment for all workers.
Sparkes said that while legislative changes are essential, they are not enough on their own.
“The Worker Protection Act sends a strong message to employers, but real change requires enforcement and a huge shift in some workplaces’ culture,” Sparkes said. “Policies are only as effective as the commitment to implement them. Every member of staff should feel safe and respected, especially during such a high-pressure time.”
HR’s Role in Creating Safer Work Environments
Addressing workplace culture and ensuring that employees feel supported are critical steps in reducing the risks faced by workers, particularly young and temporary staff in high-pressure environments like hospitality. As organisations navigate this busy period, HR teams must remain vigilant, ensuring compliance with new regulations while fostering a culture of respect and safety.
While workers can take precautions, Sparkes stresses that the ultimate responsibility lies with employers. “It’s not enough to have policies on paper,” she says. “Employers must provide proper training, take complaints seriously, and foster a workplace culture where harassment is immediately addressed – a simple reporting tool like SaferSpace is ideal.
“The hospitality sector is the beating heart of the festive season,” Sparkes adds. “It’s where we celebrate and connect. But it must be safe for everyone – especially those working hard to ensure we all have a good time.”
