A storm brewing re sexual harassment

[myfirstandonlylove]

Dear all
I am a middle manager in a company. Sorry not to be more specific but you will see why. Recently the work pressure has become chronic and many people are feeling the strain. Totally separate to this over the last 2 months 3 female staff members have approached me to say they are feeling extremely uncomfortable about a senior male colleague. I cannot go into details however inappropriate comments, looks and advances have been reported. I have absolutely no jurisdiction over any of these people indeed I am not in their department. I presume although I don't know I have been approached because it is widely known I have a good knowledge of employment law and am discreet. However the 3 women in question have said they are not willing to make statements as they fear the consequences for them. I have no doubt that they are all telling the truth. The colleague in question has an extremely unusual manner and while I cannot yet prove thelse allegations there are too many similarities in the reports for there to be nothing in it. So, I am left trying to support my female colleagues while not currently having the wherewithal to strike.

[Shakey15000]

Could you speak/report to HR in confidence? What do you think the 3 reportees are wanting/expecting you to do?

[LineyReborn]

I promise I am not being facetious here, but there are parallels with the early reports that Lib Dem women made about Lord Rennard to Jo Swinson.

You have to ask the women exactly what they want you to do and make a record of it.

[YippeeTeenager]

I would definitely talk to HR in confidence. I wouldn't name the women but I would name the senior male colleague and leave it up to them to decide what to do. The fact that three of them have decided separately that his behaviour is inappropriate enough for them to raise it with you rings massive alarm bells and you do need to do something with that information. Alternatively, you could speak to each of the women separately first, let them know that others have complained to you too, tell them that you want to raise it with HR and ask them if on that basis they would be happy to be named?

[myfirstandonlylove]

Ok. That sounds like sound advice. I had already considered approaching HR and informing the complainants about the fact they are not alone. I myself have had professional run ins with the person being complained about. One woman in particular I fear for and I feel may be withholding further, more disturbing information.

[EBearhug]

It's always possible that HR will have had other people talk to them, so it's definitely worth talking to them. They should be able to advise you how to support the other women, too.