Students at The University of Sheffield have reported being subject to harassment by contractors working outside Goodwin Sports Centre, whilst on their way to the gym.
On the evening of the 15th of October the three girls were met by three builders in high-visibility clothing.
The girls wished to stay anonymous, but explained that the builders were ‘leaning against the gym wall on Northumberland Road’.
One girl said: “They had been watching us as we made our way to the entrance “One of them shouted, enjoy your workout girls, we were taken aback, and I didn’t respond and kept walking, but my friend shot back, We won’t.”
They laughed, and another said: “We’ll be thinking of you.”
The incident highlights concerns for student safety.
Despite the students’ attempt to deter the harassment by telling them they will report them. It is noted that the contractors showed a lack of concern as they ‘only laughed harder’ and told them to ‘go ahead’.
This was then reported to the Goodwin Sport Centre reception desk.
The event highlights a discrepancy between the University’s stated ‘commitment to safety’ and the impunity enjoyed by some individuals on campus.
This matter questions the safety around campus but also violates the universities Control of Contractors policy of 2018 (EFM).
This policy details that the customers, or university students, are to be dealt with in a ‘polite and professional way’ and prohibited the use of offensive language in the work area.
A University spokesperson said: “Colleagues in Estates and Facilities Management have also raised the incident with security and the external contractors. The contractors are taking appropriate action to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
The university would also like to encourage students to immediately report any such issues, and the easiest way to do that is through the SafeZone app.
Written by Millicent Corcoran
