The government is being urged to bring in a new law to make employers responsible for protecting their staff from sexual harassment at work.

An alliance of more than 20 organisations, including unions and campaign groups, called for changes to the law so employers have a legal duty to take preventative measures to ensure their workplaces are harassment-free.

In honour of Pride month, the TUC looked how sexual harassment in the workplace affects LGBTQ people. 

Its research had found that more than two-thirds of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have been sexually harassed at work.

Around one in six said they left their job as a result of the sexual harassment and a similar number said it had caused them to avoid meeting people who were harassing them.

The TUC said that under current law there is no legal duty on employers to take proactive action to prevent harassment in their workplaces, with the onus being on the victim to report any incidents.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “It’s a scandal that so many people experience sexual harassment while just trying to do their jobs.

“We’ve got to put a stop to this once and for all. Too many LGBT people are being sexually harassed at work and suffering in silence.

“So, ahead of Pride in London on Saturday, I’d love to see all those corporates who’ve rainbowed their logo prove that their commitment to equality lasts beyond Pride season.

“We are calling on them to join our alliance and ask the government to change the law.”