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More than a year after whistleblowers raised concerns about serious sexual harassment issues at the Ministry of Defence (MoD), female defence workers say little has improved, according to a leading trade union.
A new survey by Prospect, which represents defence sector employees, reveals declining confidence among its female members in the steps taken to tackle harassment. In January 2024, 47% of respondents felt measures were being taken to deter harassment — a figure that dropped to 39% by February 2025.
In a letter to Defence Minister Alistair Carns, Prospect has called for an “independent, solutions-focused inquiry” with real authority to bring about change. The union stressed the need for a major cultural shift, arguing that the current environment leaves many women feeling unsafe and unsupported.
Back in 2023, around 60 senior female MoD staff submitted a letter detailing widespread experiences of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse by male colleagues. The letter described a workplace culture that was “hostile to women as equal and respected partners.” Since then, more women have come forward with similar reports — including one who said she endured three separate sexual assaults by colleagues.
Prospect’s senior deputy general secretary, Sue Ferns, said: “Over a year has passed since these shocking revelations surfaced, and not only have women seen little change, but in some ways, the situation has worsened. We believe a complete, top-down cultural overhaul is essential — and that starts with an independent inquiry to force real action.”
The survey also found that 57% of respondents had seen no action in the past year to raise awareness about sexual harassment. Nearly half (46%) said their employer had taken no steps to address the issue at all.
Confidence in reporting harassment is also falling. In 2024, 65% felt they could report incidents safely — that figure dropped to 58% in 2025. Within the MoD itself, confidence decreased from 63% to 55%, with similar declines in associated bodies and the private sector.
While a majority still saw the defence sector’s culture as toxic, that view declined slightly — from 65% in 2024 to 58% in 2025.
A union-led survey conducted last year revealed that nearly 60% of participants had either experienced sexual harassment themselves or observed inappropriate behavior in the workplace.
A follow-up survey was carried out to determine whether attitudes or perceptions have shifted since then and to evaluate the impact of initiatives introduced by Ministry of Defence (MoD) leadership.
The MoD has been contacted for a response. When 60 women from the department initially raised concerns, a spokesperson stated: “No woman should ever feel unsafe within the Ministry of Defence. Such conduct is not tolerated. We remain committed to eliminating it and urge anyone affected or who has witnessed such behavior to come forward.”
In a later statement, the department added: “Sexual harassment is entirely unacceptable, and we are determined to eradicate it wherever it occurs. We strongly encourage reporting of any such misconduct.”
“To address this issue, we have initiated a review of our complaints system in collaboration with outside organizations, including trade unions who are contributing to the process.”
Since October 2024, employers have been legally required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace.
