One in three young retail employees experiences sexual harassment in Sweden

One in three young retail employees has experienced sexual harassment at work over the past year, according to a report by the Swedish trade union Handels. The “Harassment Barometer,” developed by Handels and other unions, indicates that one in five retail workers has faced sexual harassment. Among younger employees aged 18 to 29, the figure rises to 31 percent.

The survey also highlights a culture of silence within the retail industry, where many individuals are reluctant to report incidents or are unsure of how to do so. Notably, 51 percent of those who have faced harassment did not disclose their experiences.

These findings reflect a significant issue within the sector, underscoring the need for better reporting mechanisms and support for victims.