Home Worker Protection Act Checklist for a Café
Worker Protection Act Checklist for a Café
Since 26 October 2024 employers must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment of their staff. From 30 October 2026 they must take all reasonable steps, and must not permit harassment of staff by customers and other third parties. This checklist helps a small café owner put practical measures in place for counter service and seated customers. EHRC guidance and Acas set out the core actions.
Write a short policy and share it
Create a brief policy that says sexual harassment will not be tolerated from colleagues or customers. Include how to report a concern and what happens next. Give a copy to every staff member at the start and keep one behind the counter. Mention the policy during induction for new or seasonal workers. Review it once a year. A policy is the first of the EHRC's 8 steps.
Assess café specific risks
Note risks at the counter where customers stand close, in the seating area during busy periods, and in any back room or storage space. Consider young staff or those on their first job who may be less confident. Think about lone working at opening or closing and any alcohol service if you offer it. List simple controls such as never leaving one person alone with a difficult customer. Acas recommends assessing third party contact as part of the risk work.
Set up reporting and response steps
Agree who staff should tell if something happens and how to do it quietly during service. Provide a way to report after a shift if needed. Decide in advance how you will speak to a customer whose behaviour is unacceptable and when you will refuse service. Keep a short log of reports. Train shift leads on the first response. The EHRC checklist for hospitality includes protocols for customer incidents.
Brief staff and display a notice
Before each shift or at the start of the day, remind staff of the zero tolerance approach. Display a short notice near the counter or entrance that harassment of staff will not be tolerated. Include the same message on any online booking or social media if you take reservations. Check that part time staff see the notice. Regular reminders help you take all reasonable steps.
FAQ
Is a full policy needed for a café with only a few staff?
The law does not require a written policy, but the EHRC recommends one and it is one of the clearest ways to show you have taken all reasonable steps. One or two pages covering both colleagues and customers is enough for most cafés.
What if most of my staff are part time or young?
Include them fully. Make sure induction covers the policy and reporting. Young workers may need clearer examples of what is not acceptable.
Take the free 8 question quiz to see how ready your café is.
The Harassment Duty Kit at £79 includes checklists and templates suited to small cafés and other hospitality sites.
Not legal advice.