Sexual Harassed, Then Victim Blamed: Employee Wins Settlement (24 March 2026)

A Duncan Lewis’ client has secured compensation after being subjected to serious sexual harassment by her manager – and disciplinary action after reporting it.

Over a period, the victim received a stream of increasingly explicit WhatsApp messages during work hours.

These included extreme pornographic material and culminated in a graphic sexual message directed at her personally.

Like many employees, she felt unable to report the behaviour at first, fearing it could put her job at risk.

Finally, when she did raise a formal complaint, instead of being supported, she was accused of gross misconduct.

The basis for this was the very evidence she provided to demonstrate the harassment.

Faced with a hostile and unsafe working environment and suffering anxiety and stress, our client felt she had no option but to resign.

That is when she turned to Duncan Lewis, instructing our expert employment law team.

Taking action

Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ Alex Morgan brought claims for sexual harassment and victimisation against both the employer and the manager.

We secured a strong settlement, including compensation for financial losses and the psychological impact of what our client endured.

A wider issue

This case reflects a pattern we see too often, employees who speak up being sidelined, undermined and blamed.

Not only is sexual harassment at work unlawful, but so is victimising someone for raising a complaint.

And under reforms implemented in 2024, employers now have a clear duty to prevent, investigate and address such conduct not to ignore or deflect responsibility

Expert comment

Alex Morgan, of Duncan Lewis Solicitors, said:

“This case highlights the very real fear many employees have about speaking up. Our client did exactly what she should have done by raising a legitimate issue about grossly offensive and deeply unacceptable behaviour. Our client was failed by her employer. Instead of being protected, she was met with allegations and pressure that forced her out of her job.

“No one should feel they have to tolerate this kind of conduct to keep their job and we are pleased have helped our client to get the justice they deserve and hold her employer to account.”

You do not have to put up with it

If you are experiencing harassment or unfair treatment at work, seeking legal advice can help you understand your position and take control of the situation.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors continues to support individuals facing workplace injustice, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights enforced.

About the Author

Alex Morgan is a caseworker in the Employment department based at Duncan Lewis’ City Office. Alex assists a team of solicitors in the day-to-day running of a wide range of employment cases, working under the direct supervision of solicitor Ian Hurst.

For assistance on an employment matter, contact Alex via email at AlexM@duncanlewis.com, or by telephone at 02072752845.

Duncan Lewis Employment Team

Duncan Lewis employment team act on behalf of claimants and respondents in all employment tribunal related matters in a variety of areas including unfair dismissal, redundancy, breach of contract, equal pay, maternity and paternity/adoption rights, whistleblowing and minimum wage.  Our employment law specialists can represent all types of employers, large and small – as well as individual employees and groups of employees

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is an award winning law firm mostly recently crowned the Lexis Nexis Law Firm of the Year 2024, and recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion by the Modern Law awards in 2023. Rated top tier by the prestigious Chambers and Legal 500 legal guides is ranked as one of the top 250 law firms in the country by the Times and Sunday Times.