Update the Health and Safety at Work Act to be gender neutral

Closed 72 signatures

What the petition asks

I believe this law uses outdated gendered language like “his employees”, and that it should be updated to be more inclusive as it applies to everyone regardless of their gender. I believe updating this language would reflect the UK’s commitment to fairness, equality, and respect for all workers.

By replacing words like “his” with “their,” I think the Government can encourage a sense of respect and belonging for all. As the Employment Rights Bill will aim to strengthen measures on sexual harassment prevention, many are shocked to see how exclusionary this language remains in the Health and Safety at Work Act. I believe updating the Act would be a meaningful step towards greater inclusivity.

Timeline

8 Jan 2025	Petition opened for signatures
8 Jul 2025	Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 72

Status Closed

Department Department for Work and Pensions

Opened 8 Jan 2025

Closed 8 Jul 2025

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