New research has exposed the extent of sexual harassment in the retail industry, in which vulnerable, young workers are routinely subjected to gendered and sexualised comments from strangers, co-workers and bosses.
The harassment was often subtle, involving hard-to-confront behaviour such as leering, staring, hovering or inappropriate but not overly sexual comments. Usually, it was less about sexual desire than exerting power or status.
Workers were also harassed by their bosses and co-workers, the report found, yet systems to identify, report, and act upon such behaviour in an industry with high turnover varied widely in quality, frequency and effectiveness between employers.
Data shows one in two women and one in four men working in retail have experienced harassment in the past five years. The most common form was sexually suggestive comments, followed by invasive questions and staring or leering.
Source: 12ft