A new law aimed at stopping harassment in the workplace is set to enter into force in June, but freelance workers and sexual minorities are cautious about how effective it will be in improving their situation and say individual efforts will be vital in bringing about change.

The law requires firms to take measures against harassment by people in positions of power, with a government guideline designating such acts as including physical and psychological attacks, making excessive demands and isolating workers from others.

But only large firms will initially be subjected to the law, with smaller firms set to follow in April 2022, and the government will not require companies to extend the measures to freelance workers as they are not regarded as employees.