Shocking new figures reveal that sexual harassment remains widespread across Scottish workplaces, with many women left unsupported, unheard and unprotected.
Unite the Union has published the results of a major survey which shows that nearly one in ten women in Scotland have been sexually assaulted while at work with thousands more subjected to coercion, harassment and unwanted contact.
The findings come as part of Unite’s ongoing Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment campaign, and paint a disturbing picture of workplace culture across every corner of the Scottish economy.
Over 1,100 women in Scotland took part in the survey, which spanned all 19 sectors represented by the union.
Among the results, 9.3 per cent reported sexual assault on the job, and 4.6 per cent said they had experienced sexual coercion where a person is manipulated, threatened or pressured into unwanted sexual activity.
More than half of respondents said they had been on the receiving end of sexually offensive jokes.
Almost 46 per cent had endured inappropriate flirting or comments, while over a third had been touched without consent.
One in eight said they had been shown or sent pornography by a colleague or manager.
Even more alarming is the silence surrounding these events.
Nearly three-quarters of those who experienced harassment said they never reported it.
Some feared not being believed.
Others were worried about keeping their jobs.
Many who did speak up said the offenders were allowed to stay and in some cases were promoted while victims were pushed out or dismissed.
Unite’s general secretary Sharon Graham called the findings damning.
“Staff safety should be among the highest priorities for employers,” she said.
“But the results of our Scottish survey show women workers are being failed by bosses.”
She pledged that Unite will hold every Scottish employer to account and take a stand wherever harassment is being ignored.
While the problem touches every sector, the union reported particularly high levels of abuse in construction, transport, food and logistics.
Unite is now calling for urgent reforms, including standalone sexual harassment policies, mandatory staff training, stronger legal protections and an extended window to make claims to employment tribunals.
Last October, the Worker Protection Act became law.
It requires employers to prevent harassment at work and during work events.
But Unite’s survey suggests the law is not being properly enforced.
Just over a quarter of women in Scotland felt their employer had taken meaningful steps to promote a zero-tolerance culture.
Lorna Glen, Unite’s Scottish equalities officer, said women are still being let down.
“The Worker Protection Act has not gone far enough in keeping women safe,” she said.
“Unite is calling on the Scottish and UK governments to take our demands seriously.”
