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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Sascha Lavin and Sian Norris

Sexual harassment allegations cost local authorities at least £2.5m

Jemima Olchawski Observer England Wales
Outside of a building in Hull with two towers plus a tree in front
In the past five years Hull city council received 11 reports of sexual harassment, all allegedly perpetrated by men, three of whom resigned. Photograph: Ian Forsyth/Getty Images

Local authorities in England and Wales have spent at least £2.5m in the past five years on costs relating to allegations of sexual harassment, an investigation by the Observer can reveal today.

Data obtained through freedom of information (FoI) laws shows that since 2018, 62 councils spent more than £1,728,900 to cover wage costs of staff who were suspended after allegations of sexual harassment, with accusations ranging from indecent exposure, upskirting, inappropriate comments and sexual assault to stalking and abuse of power.

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